There are literally hundreds of martial arts systems to choose from. Classes in both Eastern and Western styles abound. Martial Arts Portland Oregon includes classes with a focus on health and fitness, sport and competition, self defense, personal development.
Most Eastern styles use a belt ranking system. Students test to prove their skills, then receive a colored belt signifying rank. Most Western styles engage in competition. Winners are awarded a Title, sometimes a decorative belt, worthy of their skill set. Advancement style and criteria varies widely among and between the different systems and styles.
Although hard contact sports have injury rates to be considered, many of today's martial arts use soft contact training. The physical and mental benefits of training are many: aerobic fitness, stamina, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, self control, focus, self discipline. Training also teaches respectful conduct, responsible behavior, self discipline, commitment.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Training for children develops concentration and fitness. Programs should focus on respect, self control, self defense, conflict resolution, avoiding danger. Most include discussions on stranger danger and anti-bullying messages. Participants in martial arts progress at their own best rate, without the worry of disappointing a team.
Kung Fu focuses on strikes using fluid movements instead of hard and fast strikes. Judo, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu focus on throwing and falling, pinning and holding. Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo will teach you how to take a punch, avoid a punch, land a punch (or kick). If you're interested in self defense, Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai are good choices. Competitive sports include Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, MMA, Wrestling, or Boxing. Tournaments and competitions are a way to test one's skills against other practitioners outside your own school.
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
Decide on your goals. Are you striving for fitness, personal development, self defense skills, or hungering to test your skills against the competition. Meet with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience and qualifications. Observe a class of experienced students to see the schools training methods and philosophy in action. Explain your goals to be sure the program is compatible with your goals.
Martial Arts Centers often require a contract. Students commit to a training schedule they pay for even if they stop attending. If you know what you want and are committed, these centers can be an excellent choice. If you're not so sure, look for classes offered through city recreation departments, city gyms, school and after school programs.
Most Eastern styles use a belt ranking system. Students test to prove their skills, then receive a colored belt signifying rank. Most Western styles engage in competition. Winners are awarded a Title, sometimes a decorative belt, worthy of their skill set. Advancement style and criteria varies widely among and between the different systems and styles.
Although hard contact sports have injury rates to be considered, many of today's martial arts use soft contact training. The physical and mental benefits of training are many: aerobic fitness, stamina, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, self control, focus, self discipline. Training also teaches respectful conduct, responsible behavior, self discipline, commitment.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Training for children develops concentration and fitness. Programs should focus on respect, self control, self defense, conflict resolution, avoiding danger. Most include discussions on stranger danger and anti-bullying messages. Participants in martial arts progress at their own best rate, without the worry of disappointing a team.
Kung Fu focuses on strikes using fluid movements instead of hard and fast strikes. Judo, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu focus on throwing and falling, pinning and holding. Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo will teach you how to take a punch, avoid a punch, land a punch (or kick). If you're interested in self defense, Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai are good choices. Competitive sports include Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, MMA, Wrestling, or Boxing. Tournaments and competitions are a way to test one's skills against other practitioners outside your own school.
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
Decide on your goals. Are you striving for fitness, personal development, self defense skills, or hungering to test your skills against the competition. Meet with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience and qualifications. Observe a class of experienced students to see the schools training methods and philosophy in action. Explain your goals to be sure the program is compatible with your goals.
Martial Arts Centers often require a contract. Students commit to a training schedule they pay for even if they stop attending. If you know what you want and are committed, these centers can be an excellent choice. If you're not so sure, look for classes offered through city recreation departments, city gyms, school and after school programs.
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