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clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg><div class="j i d"><p class="bf b bg z du">Share</p></div></button></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><h1 id="a789" class="mg mh gu bf mi mj mk ml mm mn mo mp mq mr ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na nb nc nd bk">Why should you practice Martial Art, and how to choose one.</h1><p id="fb8e" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh ni nj nk nl nm nn no np nq nr ns nt nu nv nw nx ny nz oa ob gn bk">Practicing Martial Arts is commonly associated with many benefits, among them keeping and maybe improving health, gaining better posture, muscle tone and flexibility, and off course, what differentiates it from other physical activities is learning how to defend yourself.<br/>Law enforcement and security forces are basing their face-to-face combating practices on traditional Martial Art techniques, providing an additional proof for its ever lasting relevancy.</p><p id="89db" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Avid Martial Art practitioners also claim to enjoy positive body-mind effects, such as useful stress relief and better emotional balance.</p><p id="24c7" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Some might argue that sports activities can offer some or all of the above, but one cannot ignore the appeal that Martial Arts have upon us, being a dominant cultural phenomena with its roots planted deep in eastern cultures history and philosophy, fueled by Hollywood money-making action blockbusters (<a class="af oh" href="https://m.the-numbers.com/market/2019/genre/Action" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">$2.9 billion, 2019</a>) glorifying modern myths such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Noris.</p><p id="47af" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">According to the <a class="af oh" href="https://www.worldmacalliance.com/worldmac-academy" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">World Martial Arts Council</a> there are around 350 million people who practice martial arts today. In the US alone there are around 20,000 active Martial Art clubs.</p><p id="0640" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">So what exactly is Martial Art? Is there a common ground to all Martial Art disciplines? And why are there so many of them?</p><p id="372a" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Documented face to face unarmed fighting systems are dated to circa 4000 BC, and existed in Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. Evidence of armed fighting techniques are dated even earlier to that. In many parts of the world archaeologists excavated hieroglyphics and paintings of people engaged in what seems to be combat sport. This implies both the intrinsic nature of Martial Arts, and the strong relation it has to human culture.</p><p id="834f" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">In modern days we tend to think of all Martial Arts as Asian, probably due to the fact that some of the most popular Martial Arts today came from the east. In Korea we have Taekwondo and Hapkido, from Japan we have Judo, Ninjitsu, and Aikido, and in China there’s Kong Fu and Tai Chi. These names are well known not just by Martial Arts practitioners and fans, but by all. In fact there are <a class="af oh" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_martial_arts" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">many more styles</a>, originated from many parts of the world. The actual numbers depend on what you choose to consider Martial Art, as there seems to be more than one definition. Boxing, for example, is definitely a popular combat sport that consists of some of the most effective fighting techniques, but <a class="af oh" href="https://shortboxing.com/is-boxing-a-martial-art/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">is boxing a Martial Art?</a> critics might say it lacks the characteristics that allow Martial Art practitioners mental development and growth. Same goes for traditional wrestling and even MMA (Mixed Martial Art) which are definitely effective fighting systems.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="467" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by Matheus Natan on <a class="af oh" href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/martial-arts-training-3340319/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Pexels.com</a></figcaption></figure><p id="7e2d" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Searching the web for the definition of Martial Art, you might notice that people are getting rather emotional when it comes to talking about this subject. Virtues such as “inner power”, “deep strength”, “morality” and so on are widely used. You will also see that people are very interested in comparing some disciplines (and trashing others), curious about effectiveness in real life settings , and contemplating hypothetical matches between movie actors and/or professional athletes.</p><p id="0f42" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">I have found no agreed and definite criteria, nor measurable attributes that can differentiate combating sports and fighting systems from martial arts. The following definitions (<a class="af oh" href="https://shortboxing.com/is-boxing-a-martial-art/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">thanks Dimitar</a>), works for me:</p><ol class=""><li id="73cf" class="ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob pa pb pc bk">MA is, or initially was, used in warlike or combat settings.</li><li id="99d3" class="ne nf gu ng b nh pd nj nk nl pe nn no np pf nr ns nt pg nv nw nx ph nz oa ob pa pb pc bk">MA is an organized practice that can be taught.</li><li id="db08" class="ne nf gu ng b nh pd nj nk nl pe nn no np pf nr ns nt pg nv nw nx ph nz oa ob pa pb pc bk">MA enables and/or leads to mental and physical development.</li><li id="f7f0" class="ne nf gu ng b nh pd nj nk nl pe nn no np pf nr ns nt pg nv nw nx ph nz oa ob pa pb pc bk">MA has some historical roots and traditional aspects, hence serving cultural purpose.</li></ol><p id="b514" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Learning and practicing Martial Art can potentially help the avid practitioner gain some or all of the above. By committing to one of numerous available alternatives, you can get fit, learn how to defend yourself, focus your mind on goals and <a class="af oh" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00040/full" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">improve emotional well-being</a>. You also get to flirt with a new culture, and possibly add a few exotic words to your vocabularry.</p><p id="d880" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">This is awesome, you might say, so how come people don’t just flud the dojos and Martial Arts clubs?</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="467" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/@dialex?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Diogo Nunes</a> on <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/martial-art?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="02f4" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Unlike popular sports activities like jogging in the park, taking spinning class or lifting weights at the gym, where the reasons are rather straightforward, the motivations behind practicing Martial Arts can be more complex.</p><p id="2e2c" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">An interesting take on Martial Arts participation is offered in a research paper (<a class="af oh" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290318509_Martial_arts_participation_Consumer_motivation" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Ko, Yong Jae & Kim, Yu & Valacich, Joseph. (2010). Martial arts participation: Consumer motivation</a>) suggesting that Martial Arts participants are mainly motivated by growth-related factors. (other measured effects on motivation were grouped under relatedness, existence and sport)</p><p id="058b" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Given the diversity of Martial Arts Disciplines, this may not shock you that the findings indicate that motivation of practitioners varies across types of Martial Arts.</p><p id="b589" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Based on the similarity and style of martial arts disciplines, the researchers divided the measured disciplines into five categories: Aikido/Hapkido, Judo/Jujitsu, Karate, Kung Fu/Tai Chi and Taekwondo.</p><p id="7eca" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Some observations indicated that Judo/Jujitsu participants were more motivated by aggression than other disciplines; Aikido/Hapkido and Kungfu/Wushu participants were more motivated by social facilitation and affiliation than other disciplines; and Taekwondo, Judo/Jujitsu and Karate participants were more motivated by self-defence.</p><p id="3b8e" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">All Martial Arts participants were highly motivated by aesthetics regardless of their discipline, but Aikido/Hapkido and Kung Fu/Wushu had the highest score on that factor.</p><p id="bde8" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Practitioners in the two Olympic sports (i.e. Judo and Taekwondo) and Karate showed a high level of motivation in self-defence and aggression. Practitioners of Chinese martial arts (i.e. Kung Fu/Wushu) had the lowest means in these categories.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="467" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/@jsnbrsc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Briscoe</a> on <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/karate?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="b197" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">It is impossible to know if those motivations led the practitioners to choose a specific genre of Martial Art or have they adopted norms and behaviours that are nurtured and promoted in those disciplines, either way, this gives additional perspective on the differences between types of Martial Arts.</p><p id="d286" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">The full study is <a class="af oh" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290318509_Martial_arts_participation_Consumer_motivation" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">available online</a> and offers fascinating insights to those who are interested in further reading.</p><p id="8924" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Regardless of their motivations, it seems that some of the Martial Arts characteristics can drive people away or refrain them from considering Martial Art practicing as an option.</p><p id="7cc8" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">There are many myths and disinformation around the subject, which leads to false beliefs and prejudgment.</p><p id="ee24" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Let’s tackle few of those, and while at it, draw some guidelines for choosing the type of Martial Art that you can enjoy, and hopefully adopt as part of your life.</p><h1 id="255c" class="mg mh gu bf mi mj mk ml mm mn mo mp mq mr ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na nb nc nd bk">Reason #1 for not practicing Martial Art:</h1><blockquote class="pi pj pk"><p id="209a" class="ne nf pl ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">“Punching people, well, this is so barbaric!”</p></blockquote><p id="1b69" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Or: Do you have to be a preschool bully to enjoy sparring?</p><p id="b997" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Smart people try to avoid face to face confrontations, for obvious reasons. Physical means for resolving conflicts are usually associated with the dark side of human behaviour, or at least the childish parts of it. Grownups are not supposed to fight each other, and for most people, Martial Art is first of all about fighting. But does fighting necessarily mean hostile and unleashed behaviour? Controlled aggressiveness should not be mixed with violence. As seen best in combat sports, borders are always drone somewhere. There are strict rules and strong behaviour ethics which defines where and how it is OK to hit your opponent. Protective gears are used for sparring even in most aggressive and functional disciplines, and instructors will always take the measures to ensure that the practitioners are back home safely after the session is over. People do not just get into the ring and start punching each other to death, romantic as this would sound.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="583" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/@neonbrand?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">NeONBRAND</a> on <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/punching?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="092d" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Another aspect of combat practice is the physical contact that is underlying most forms of <a class="af oh" href="https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Fighting/Unarmed_Combat" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">unarmed</a> Martial Arts. For some reason there are people who just don’t like to touch and be touched by strangers. It’s hard keeping your personal physical space while vigorously caressing your opponent during grappling. <a class="af oh" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259922361_The_Rules_of_Engagement_Negotiating_Painful_and_'Intimate'_Touch_in_Mixed-Sex_Martial_Arts" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Mixed sex </a>classes can also be a challenge for some, due to cultural constraints or religious prohibits. So unless you <a class="af oh" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchless_knockout" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">choose to believe in myths and urban legends</a>, I guess there’s nothing much that can be done, as physical contact at some level exists in most forms of Martial Arts. But before disqualifying Martial Arts based on these criteria, consider that <a class="af oh" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand-up_fighting" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">stand-up fighting</a> disciplines involve much less physical intimacy than grappling Martial Arts.</p><h1 id="f340" class="mg mh gu bf mi mj mk ml mm mn mo mp mq mr ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na nb nc nd bk">Reason #2 for not practicing Martial Art :</h1><blockquote class="pi pj pk"><p id="bcfe" class="ne nf pl ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk"><em class="gu">“I’m here for the sweat, not the blabbering”.</em></p></blockquote><p id="126a" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Or<strong class="ng gv">, </strong>are Martial Arts really that hard to learn?</p><p id="9084" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Martial Art is an organized and documented system, depicting sparring moves and combinations, defense and attack <a class="af oh" href="https://blackbeltwiki.com/forms" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">forms patterns</a>, rituals, techniques, and sometimes spiritual rituals and behaviour guidelines. The vast knowledge is usually broken into small, chewable pieces of information and practices, ensuring that the practitioner will make his way step by step, building a solid foundation both physically and mentally. The gradual progression is an important factor in learning any new skill, and Martial Art is no different. Some Martial Art requires students to learn and perform choreographed patterns (e.g. <a class="af oh" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kata" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Kata </a>in Karate, <a class="af oh" href="https://taekwondo.fandom.com/wiki/Taegeuk_Poomsae" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Poomsae </a>inTaekwondo), with increasing levels of complexity as they climb up their ranks.</p><p id="7886" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Martial Arts schools, clubs and organizations are taking special pride in conforming and honoring the various disciplines. Ranks are earned, instructors are trained and certificates are given according to internal code and regulations.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div class="oi oj pm"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1376/format:webp/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 1376w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 688px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1376/0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1 1376w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 688px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="688" height="960" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">nice little Kata</figcaption></figure><p id="a0ff" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">The structured nature and standardization of Martial Arts may serve many purposes, but it might also drive practitioners away. Rules are not always easy to follow, and when someone whose main interest is blowing off some steam is facing the tedious and repetitive basic moves training or breathing techniques, the result for him is usually dropping out.</p><p id="5be3" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">When choosing Martial Art it is important to do some research; The internet offers a lot of information, off course, but it might be worthwhile to talk to the instructor about what you should expect, and ask to join a class or two before committing. If you have friends who practice, you can consult them, or join them for a session. If you have few options on your short-list, why not try them all?</p><h1 id="3533" class="mg mh gu bf mi mj mk ml mm mn mo mp mq mr ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na nb nc nd bk">Reason #3 for not practicing Martial Art :</h1><blockquote class="pi pj pk"><p id="db12" class="ne nf pl ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk"><em class="gu">“Buddha talk…please, give me a break!”</em></p></blockquote><p id="c301" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Or: Do you have to be a Shaolin monk to practice Martial Arts?</p><p id="f8d4" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">A lot has been said and written about the spiritual components and the mind-body aspects that’s underlying many forms of traditional Martial Arts. The myth of the warrior monks, with iron fists and deadly moves, pausing his meditation session just to beat the hell some random opponents while maintaining his inner peace.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="468" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/@griestprojects?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Mitchell Griest</a> on <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/meditation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="57d1" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">But is practicing spiritual development such as breathing techniques and meditation really necessary in order to practice Martial Arts? Looking at competitive sports that are based on Martial Arts reveals that great attention that is given to physical aspects. Competitors are grouped by weight, and sometimes age.Not by years of practicing, theoretical knowledge or spiritual level. The mere concept of competing in order to win is alienated in some Martial Arts traditions.</p><p id="96e2" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Off course, the learning process itself and the dedication that is required promotes and builds up internal qualities such as persistence, patience, determination and more. But this also applies to studying ballet, or lifting weights. However, studies reveal that Martial Arts can actually <a class="af oh" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00080/full" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">improve cognitive control </a>in both children and adults.</p><p id="0a66" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">So is mental development necessarily linked to physical development in Martial Arts? Probably yes. Your mind, and not just your body, will grow through the process of learning and gaining new abilities. But are spiritual routines and mental training a must in this process? Probably not. You can enjoy and benefit from Martial Artist without having to feel any inner Chi, or even believe in its existence. Furthermore, even if it’s your strict philosophical or theological views that kept you away from trying Martial Arts, there are still <a class="af oh" href="https://www.equip.org/article/should-a-christian-practice-the-martial-arts/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Martial Arts disciplines that even orthodox can adopt</a>. <br/>So, again, you’ll have to do some research. If you are not into eastern philosophies, you might want to go for styles like Krav Maga, Wrestling, Kickboxing or MMA that emphasize physical aspects and have little to none spiritual practices. Other styles like Judo or Taekwondo (both have evolved into olympic sports) usually consist of less philosophical training than traditional Karate, Aikido or any of the Chinese disciplines. If you do, however, intrigued by eastern philosophies, and interested in the combination of internal and external work in parallel then the <a class="af oh" href="https://blackbeltwiki.com/martial-arts-philosophy" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">options are limitless</a>.</p><h1 id="3e3b" class="mg mh gu bf mi mj mk ml mm mn mo mp mq mr ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na nb nc nd bk">Reason #4 for not practicing Martial Art :</h1><blockquote class="pi pj pk"><p id="49c9" class="ne nf pl ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk"><em class="gu">“My friend said that Kung Fu beats Muay Thay…”</em></p></blockquote><p id="acc8" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Or: There are so many options, how do I choose?</p><p id="6d67" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">By now I hope that you at least somewhat agree that Martial Arts might be a good thing to start. You might even narrow down your options based on the above criteria. The question is, which of the remaining options is the right for you.</p><figure class="ol om on oo op oq oi oj paragraph-image"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="or os fj ot bh ou"><div class="oi oj ok"><picture><source srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" type="image/webp"/><source data-testid="og" srcSet="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3 1400w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"/><img alt="" class="bh ln ov c" width="700" height="394" loading="lazy" role="presentation"/></picture></div></div><figcaption class="ow ff ox oi oj oy oz bf b bg z du">Photo by <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/@cobblepot?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Kit Suman</a> on <a class="af oh" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/many?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="e445" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">The commonality between all Martial Arts is greater than the differentiation. So if you decide to try it out, or choose to go back to training, this is because your motivation lies in factors that do not exist in other activities, be it sporting activities like playing basketball or running, mind-body activities like Meditation or Yoga, or pure mental activities like writing posts.<br/>The best thing to do, in this case, is (my apologies if this sounds like a motivational talk quote) to simply do.</p><p id="7a93" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">Explore the options around you, pick up the phone and go and take some lessons. In a very short time you will know what best matches your goals and expectations. The first few drops of sweat in your eyes will teach you more on the subject than following endless discussions in groups that compare and argue types of kicks. Any Martial Art is good as long as you find it appealing and you are committed enough to keep on practicing it.</p><p id="c4e2" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">You should not underestimate factors like training companionship, instructor, club proximity to your home, or classes scheduling. These might make the difference between slicking and forsaking new habits.</p><p id="0890" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk">To conclude this post, Martial Arts participation holds many benefits, and best suits people who are interested in personal growth and development factors on top of sport, self defense or competitive activity. Though usually grouped together, Martial Arts differ and offer a large range of practices, traditions and activities. Hence, different types of people, with different motivations, can enjoy and benefit from engaging in Martial Art studying and participation.</p><p id="cbff" class="pw-post-body-paragraph ne nf gu ng b nh oc nj nk nl od nn no np oe nr ns nt of nv nw nx og nz oa ob gn bk"><strong class="ng gv">This post was originally posted at </strong><a class="af oh" href="http://www.sijag.net" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank"><strong class="ng gv">www.sijag.net</strong></a></p></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></article></div><div class="ab cb"><div class="ci bh fz ga gb gc"><div class="pn po ab iv"><div class="pp ab"><a class="pq ay am ao" href="https://medium.com/tag/martial-arts?source=post_page-----9595b5e23dbd---------------------------------------" rel="noopener follow"><div class="pr fj cx ps ge pt pu bf b bg z bk pv">Martial Arts</div></a></div><div class="pp ab"><a class="pq ay am ao" 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In the US alone there are around 20,000 active Martial Art clubs.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":17,"end":43,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.worldmacalliance.com\u002Fworldmac-academy","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_6":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_6","name":"0640","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"So what exactly is Martial Art? Is there a common ground to all Martial Art disciplines? And why are there so many of them?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_7":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_7","name":"372a","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Documented face to face unarmed fighting systems are dated to circa 4000 BC, and existed in Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. Evidence of armed fighting techniques are dated even earlier to that. In many parts of the world archaeologists excavated hieroglyphics and paintings of people engaged in what seems to be combat sport. This implies both the intrinsic nature of Martial Arts, and the strong relation it has to human culture.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_8":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_8","name":"834f","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"In modern days we tend to think of all Martial Arts as Asian, probably due to the fact that some of the most popular Martial Arts today came from the east. In Korea we have Taekwondo and Hapkido, from Japan we have Judo, Ninjitsu, and Aikido, and in China there’s Kong Fu and Tai Chi. These names are well known not just by Martial Arts practitioners and fans, but by all. In fact there are many more styles, originated from many parts of the world. The actual numbers depend on what you choose to consider Martial Art, as there seems to be more than one definition. Boxing, for example, is definitely a popular combat sport that consists of some of the most effective fighting techniques, but is boxing a Martial Art? critics might say it lacks the characteristics that allow Martial Art practitioners mental development and growth. Same goes for traditional wrestling and even MMA (Mixed Martial Art) which are definitely effective fighting systems.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":391,"end":407,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FList_of_martial_arts","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":694,"end":718,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fshortboxing.com\u002Fis-boxing-a-martial-art\u002F","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu","originalHeight":682,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_9":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_9","name":"2d97","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*By1y2aAauZfYypAu"},"text":"Photo by Matheus Natan on Pexels.com","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":26,"end":36,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pexels.com\u002Fphoto\u002Fmartial-arts-training-3340319\u002F","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_10":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_10","name":"7e2d","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Searching the web for the definition of Martial Art, you might notice that people are getting rather emotional when it comes to talking about this subject. Virtues such as “inner power”, “deep strength”, “morality” and so on are widely used. You will also see that people are very interested in comparing some disciplines (and trashing others), curious about effectiveness in real life settings , and contemplating hypothetical matches between movie actors and\u002For professional athletes.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_11":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_11","name":"0f42","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"I have found no agreed and definite criteria, nor measurable attributes that can differentiate combating sports and fighting systems from martial arts. The following definitions (thanks Dimitar), works for me:","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":179,"end":193,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fshortboxing.com\u002Fis-boxing-a-martial-art\u002F","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_12":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_12","name":"73cf","type":"OLI","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"MA is, or initially was, used in warlike or combat settings.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_13":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_13","name":"99d3","type":"OLI","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"MA is an organized practice that can be taught.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_14":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_14","name":"db08","type":"OLI","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"MA enables and\u002For leads to mental and physical development.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_15":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_15","name":"f7f0","type":"OLI","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"MA has some historical roots and traditional aspects, hence serving cultural purpose.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_16":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_16","name":"b514","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Learning and practicing Martial Art can potentially help the avid practitioner gain some or all of the above. By committing to one of numerous available alternatives, you can get fit, learn how to defend yourself, focus your mind on goals and improve emotional well-being. You also get to flirt with a new culture, and possibly add a few exotic words to your vocabularry.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":243,"end":271,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Farticles\u002F10.3389\u002Ffpsyg.2012.00040\u002Ffull","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_17":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_17","name":"d880","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"This is awesome, you might say, so how come people don’t just flud the dojos and Martial Arts clubs?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6","originalHeight":683,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_18":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_18","name":"eafe","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*HSpgQ1DSNpA5UZO6"},"text":"Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":9,"end":20,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@dialex?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":24,"end":32,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fs\u002Fphotos\u002Fmartial-art?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_19":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_19","name":"02f4","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Unlike popular sports activities like jogging in the park, taking spinning class or lifting weights at the gym, where the reasons are rather straightforward, the motivations behind practicing Martial Arts can be more complex.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_20":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_20","name":"2e2c","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"An interesting take on Martial Arts participation is offered in a research paper (Ko, Yong Jae & Kim, Yu & Valacich, Joseph. (2010). Martial arts participation: Consumer motivation) suggesting that Martial Arts participants are mainly motivated by growth-related factors. (other measured effects on motivation were grouped under relatedness, existence and sport)","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":82,"end":180,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F290318509_Martial_arts_participation_Consumer_motivation","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_21":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_21","name":"058b","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Given the diversity of Martial Arts Disciplines, this may not shock you that the findings indicate that motivation of practitioners varies across types of Martial Arts.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_22":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_22","name":"b589","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Based on the similarity and style of martial arts disciplines, the researchers divided the measured disciplines into five categories: Aikido\u002FHapkido, Judo\u002FJujitsu, Karate, Kung Fu\u002FTai Chi and Taekwondo.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_23":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_23","name":"7eca","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Some observations indicated that Judo\u002FJujitsu participants were more motivated by aggression than other disciplines; Aikido\u002FHapkido and Kungfu\u002FWushu participants were more motivated by social facilitation and affiliation than other disciplines; and Taekwondo, Judo\u002FJujitsu and Karate participants were more motivated by self-defence.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_24":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_24","name":"3b8e","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"All Martial Arts participants were highly motivated by aesthetics regardless of their discipline, but Aikido\u002FHapkido and Kung Fu\u002FWushu had the highest score on that factor.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_25":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_25","name":"bde8","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Practitioners in the two Olympic sports (i.e. Judo and Taekwondo) and Karate showed a high level of motivation in self-defence and aggression. Practitioners of Chinese martial arts (i.e. Kung Fu\u002FWushu) had the lowest means in these categories.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8","originalHeight":683,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_26":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_26","name":"739f","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*GqNAUGqAedDp-en8"},"text":"Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":9,"end":22,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@jsnbrsc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":26,"end":34,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fs\u002Fphotos\u002Fkarate?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_27":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_27","name":"b197","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"It is impossible to know if those motivations led the practitioners to choose a specific genre of Martial Art or have they adopted norms and behaviours that are nurtured and promoted in those disciplines, either way, this gives additional perspective on the differences between types of Martial Arts.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_28":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_28","name":"d286","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"The full study is available online and offers fascinating insights to those who are interested in further reading.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":18,"end":34,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F290318509_Martial_arts_participation_Consumer_motivation","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_29":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_29","name":"8924","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Regardless of their motivations, it seems that some of the Martial Arts characteristics can drive people away or refrain them from considering Martial Art practicing as an option.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_30":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_30","name":"7cc8","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"There are many myths and disinformation around the subject, which leads to false beliefs and prejudgment.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_31":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_31","name":"ee24","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Let’s tackle few of those, and while at it, draw some guidelines for choosing the type of Martial Art that you can enjoy, and hopefully adopt as part of your life.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_32":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_32","name":"255c","type":"H3","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Reason #1 for not practicing Martial Art:","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_33":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_33","name":"209a","type":"BQ","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"“Punching people, well, this is so barbaric!”","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_34":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_34","name":"1b69","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Or: Do you have to be a preschool bully to enjoy sparring?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_35":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_35","name":"b997","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Smart people try to avoid face to face confrontations, for obvious reasons. Physical means for resolving conflicts are usually associated with the dark side of human behaviour, or at least the childish parts of it. Grownups are not supposed to fight each other, and for most people, Martial Art is first of all about fighting. But does fighting necessarily mean hostile and unleashed behaviour? Controlled aggressiveness should not be mixed with violence. As seen best in combat sports, borders are always drone somewhere. There are strict rules and strong behaviour ethics which defines where and how it is OK to hit your opponent. Protective gears are used for sparring even in most aggressive and functional disciplines, and instructors will always take the measures to ensure that the practitioners are back home safely after the session is over. People do not just get into the ring and start punching each other to death, romantic as this would sound.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc","originalHeight":852,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_36":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_36","name":"0584","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*iC86dyuLEAjN-UIc"},"text":"Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":9,"end":18,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@neonbrand?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":22,"end":30,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fs\u002Fphotos\u002Fpunching?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_37":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_37","name":"092d","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Another aspect of combat practice is the physical contact that is underlying most forms of unarmed Martial Arts. For some reason there are people who just don’t like to touch and be touched by strangers. It’s hard keeping your personal physical space while vigorously caressing your opponent during grappling. Mixed sex classes can also be a challenge for some, due to cultural constraints or religious prohibits. So unless you choose to believe in myths and urban legends, I guess there’s nothing much that can be done, as physical contact at some level exists in most forms of Martial Arts. But before disqualifying Martial Arts based on these criteria, consider that stand-up fighting disciplines involve much less physical intimacy than grappling Martial Arts.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":91,"end":98,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFighting\u002FUnarmed_Combat","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":310,"end":320,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F259922361_The_Rules_of_Engagement_Negotiating_Painful_and_'Intimate'_Touch_in_Mixed-Sex_Martial_Arts","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":428,"end":472,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTouchless_knockout","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":670,"end":687,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FStand-up_fighting","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_38":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_38","name":"f340","type":"H3","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Reason #2 for not practicing Martial Art :","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_39":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_39","name":"bcfe","type":"BQ","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"“I’m here for the sweat, not the blabbering”.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":0,"end":45,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_40":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_40","name":"126a","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Or, are Martial Arts really that hard to learn?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"STRONG","start":2,"end":4,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_41":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_41","name":"9084","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Martial Art is an organized and documented system, depicting sparring moves and combinations, defense and attack forms patterns, rituals, techniques, and sometimes spiritual rituals and behaviour guidelines. The vast knowledge is usually broken into small, chewable pieces of information and practices, ensuring that the practitioner will make his way step by step, building a solid foundation both physically and mentally. The gradual progression is an important factor in learning any new skill, and Martial Art is no different. Some Martial Art requires students to learn and perform choreographed patterns (e.g. Kata in Karate, Poomsae inTaekwondo), with increasing levels of complexity as they climb up their ranks.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":113,"end":127,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fblackbeltwiki.com\u002Fforms","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":616,"end":621,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FKata","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":632,"end":640,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Ftaekwondo.fandom.com\u002Fwiki\u002FTaegeuk_Poomsae","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_42":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_42","name":"7886","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Martial Arts schools, clubs and organizations are taking special pride in conforming and honoring the various disciplines. Ranks are earned, instructors are trained and certificates are given according to internal code and regulations.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1","originalHeight":960,"originalWidth":688,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_43":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_43","name":"e111","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*LCg9nwbJfykLfYM1"},"text":"nice little Kata","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_44":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_44","name":"a0ff","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"The structured nature and standardization of Martial Arts may serve many purposes, but it might also drive practitioners away. Rules are not always easy to follow, and when someone whose main interest is blowing off some steam is facing the tedious and repetitive basic moves training or breathing techniques, the result for him is usually dropping out.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_45":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_45","name":"5be3","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"When choosing Martial Art it is important to do some research; The internet offers a lot of information, off course, but it might be worthwhile to talk to the instructor about what you should expect, and ask to join a class or two before committing. If you have friends who practice, you can consult them, or join them for a session. If you have few options on your short-list, why not try them all?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_46":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_46","name":"3533","type":"H3","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Reason #3 for not practicing Martial Art :","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_47":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_47","name":"db12","type":"BQ","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"“Buddha talk…please, give me a break!”","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":0,"end":38,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_48":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_48","name":"c301","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Or: Do you have to be a Shaolin monk to practice Martial Arts?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_49":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_49","name":"f8d4","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"A lot has been said and written about the spiritual components and the mind-body aspects that’s underlying many forms of traditional Martial Arts. The myth of the warrior monks, with iron fists and deadly moves, pausing his meditation session just to beat the hell some random opponents while maintaining his inner peace.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9","originalHeight":684,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_50":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_50","name":"da29","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*DPuA28XXW9MQ-Af9"},"text":"Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":9,"end":24,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@griestprojects?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":28,"end":36,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fs\u002Fphotos\u002Fmeditation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_51":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_51","name":"57d1","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"But is practicing spiritual development such as breathing techniques and meditation really necessary in order to practice Martial Arts? Looking at competitive sports that are based on Martial Arts reveals that great attention that is given to physical aspects. Competitors are grouped by weight, and sometimes age.Not by years of practicing, theoretical knowledge or spiritual level. The mere concept of competing in order to win is alienated in some Martial Arts traditions.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_52":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_52","name":"96e2","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Off course, the learning process itself and the dedication that is required promotes and builds up internal qualities such as persistence, patience, determination and more. But this also applies to studying ballet, or lifting weights. However, studies reveal that Martial Arts can actually improve cognitive control in both children and adults.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":290,"end":316,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Farticles\u002F10.3389\u002Ffpsyg.2018.00080\u002Ffull","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_53":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_53","name":"0a66","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"So is mental development necessarily linked to physical development in Martial Arts? Probably yes. Your mind, and not just your body, will grow through the process of learning and gaining new abilities. But are spiritual routines and mental training a must in this process? Probably not. You can enjoy and benefit from Martial Artist without having to feel any inner Chi, or even believe in its existence. Furthermore, even if it’s your strict philosophical or theological views that kept you away from trying Martial Arts, there are still Martial Arts disciplines that even orthodox can adopt. \nSo, again, you’ll have to do some research. If you are not into eastern philosophies, you might want to go for styles like Krav Maga, Wrestling, Kickboxing or MMA that emphasize physical aspects and have little to none spiritual practices. Other styles like Judo or Taekwondo (both have evolved into olympic sports) usually consist of less philosophical training than traditional Karate, Aikido or any of the Chinese disciplines. If you do, however, intrigued by eastern philosophies, and interested in the combination of internal and external work in parallel then the options are limitless.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":540,"end":593,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.equip.org\u002Farticle\u002Fshould-a-christian-practice-the-martial-arts\u002F","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":1166,"end":1187,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Fblackbeltwiki.com\u002Fmartial-arts-philosophy","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_54":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_54","name":"3e3b","type":"H3","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Reason #4 for not practicing Martial Art :","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_55":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_55","name":"49c9","type":"BQ","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"“My friend said that Kung Fu beats Muay Thay…”","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"EM","start":0,"end":46,"href":null,"anchorType":null,"userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_56":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_56","name":"acc8","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Or: There are so many options, how do I choose?","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_57":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_57","name":"6d67","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"By now I hope that you at least somewhat agree that Martial Arts might be a good thing to start. You might even narrow down your options based on the above criteria. The question is, which of the remaining options is the right for you.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"ImageMetadata:0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3":{"__typename":"ImageMetadata","id":"0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3","originalHeight":576,"originalWidth":1024,"focusPercentX":null,"focusPercentY":null,"alt":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_58":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_58","name":"d8a1","type":"IMG","href":null,"layout":"INSET_CENTER","metadata":{"__ref":"ImageMetadata:0*PdB37Oy2-8jJWFg3"},"text":"Photo by Kit Suman on Unsplash","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":9,"end":18,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@cobblepot?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null},{"__typename":"Markup","type":"A","start":22,"end":30,"href":"https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fs\u002Fphotos\u002Fmany?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText","anchorType":"LINK","userId":null,"linkMetadata":null}],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_59":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_59","name":"e445","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"The commonality between all Martial Arts is greater than the differentiation. So if you decide to try it out, or choose to go back to training, this is because your motivation lies in factors that do not exist in other activities, be it sporting activities like playing basketball or running, mind-body activities like Meditation or Yoga, or pure mental activities like writing posts.\nThe best thing to do, in this case, is (my apologies if this sounds like a motivational talk quote) to simply do.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_60":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_60","name":"7a93","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"Explore the options around you, pick up the phone and go and take some lessons. In a very short time you will know what best matches your goals and expectations. The first few drops of sweat in your eyes will teach you more on the subject than following endless discussions in groups that compare and argue types of kicks. Any Martial Art is good as long as you find it appealing and you are committed enough to keep on practicing it.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_61":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_61","name":"c4e2","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"You should not underestimate factors like training companionship, instructor, club proximity to your home, or classes scheduling. These might make the difference between slicking and forsaking new habits.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_62":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_62","name":"0890","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"To conclude this post, Martial Arts participation holds many benefits, and best suits people who are interested in personal growth and development factors on top of sport, self defense or competitive activity. Though usually grouped together, Martial Arts differ and offer a large range of practices, traditions and activities. Hence, different types of people, with different motivations, can enjoy and benefit from engaging in Martial Art studying and participation.","hasDropCap":null,"dropCapImage":null,"markups":[],"codeBlockMetadata":null,"iframe":null,"mixtapeMetadata":null},"Paragraph:964fecadb87e_63":{"__typename":"Paragraph","id":"964fecadb87e_63","name":"cbff","type":"P","href":null,"layout":null,"metadata":null,"text":"This post was originally posted at 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