Why Learn Tae Kwon Do Self Defence ?

Tae kwon do self defence has been practised for over 2000 years now, although it is just a couple of years for me it all started in Korea so people could defend there property. Today tae kwon do is very popular all over the world and is recognised as an international sport.

As a form of self defence tae kwond do is in my opinion the best there is.

Beacuase in this day and age there is a small majority of people who would attack you for nothing more than a bit of loose change. This is why tea kwon do self defence is so good, tae kwon do self defence teaches you how stop an attack.

Learning tae kwon do self defence will teach you how to use your body as a weapon it will also teach you how to use your body at full speed with brilliant control and how to use these skills to stop an attack, and how to get away from an attacker who has hold of you.

Tae kwon do self defence will teach you how to use two types of movement, Straight hard and circular soft movements.

You will use the hard technique to block an attack with either your arms or legs and you will do this using your own strength. Using the soft technique you will use the attacker’s strength, this technique doesn’t require much power from you.

Tae kwon do self defence gives you the ability to kick higher than you ever thought you could, it also gives you the ability to smash through wooden blocks. This is one of the reasons why tae kwon do self defence is much more than a phisical sport it is also great for the mind and spirit.

Both men and women enjoy learning tae kwond do self defence, there are also lots of benefits for children when learning the sport, apart from the great excercise it also teaches them to respect other people, it also gives them good confidence and high self esteem

There are many ways of learning tae kwon do self defence from ebooks to online tutorials. I perticularly like learning online as you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

Note: Please feel free to use this blog post in your newsletter or for content on your site or even your own blog. As long as you do not edit the content or link in any way.

By: ktmcna

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Eddie Maclean is the webmaster of an information based martial arts site for more information please go to www.martialarts-technique.com

Technorati Tags: keywords

What You Need To Know Before You Start Taking Taekwondo…

Taekwondo has become VERY popular over the last decade or so. It is the martial art that most kids go into and it is also an official Olympic sport! Those two reasons are enough to make it worth your while to want to train in it!

But is it the right martial art for you? Or is it just a bunch of hype…

Let’s look into the history and see just exactly what taekwondo really is…

Taekwondo (also spelled tae kwon do or taekwon-do) is a martial art originating in Korea. An amalgamation of Chinese, Japanese, and traditional Korean fighting styles, taekwondo has become the world’s most commonly practiced martial art, and is the national sport of Korea as well as an Olympic sporting event.

In Korean, derived from hanja, tae means "to strike or smash with the foot"; kwon means "to strike or smash with the hand"; and do means "art of" or "way of". Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as "the art of hand and foot" or "the way of the foot and the fist". Taekwondo’s popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the art.

But more practially speaking, the art really came into its own after the Korean War. The South Korean president at that time ordered that all the martial arts schools be unified and train under the same organization.

Taekwondo also became the countries national sport as well. As other martial arts before it, Taekwondo moved its way over to North America and started to catch on and become very popular…

This art is distinct amongst the other traditional arts via the fact that it places a major emphasis on kicking and defending yourself using kicking techniques. Once you learn these techniques correctly, they can become very deadly and are a very effective form of self-defense.

Taekwondo also puts a lot of focus on conditioning and stretching. Because the legs are the largest muscle in the body, you need to make sure they are properly stretched at all times and conditioned.

Because Taekwondo is an Olympic sport, most schools focus on sparing and tournament fighting. This is a big part of most schools. The downside of this is, the style of fighting in tournaments is different then the style you would use in a self-defense situation.

Is taekwondo better then karate or the other traditional martial arts? The focus is different as more emphasis is placed on kicking and tournaments. But any martial art is only as good as the person training in it.

The best way to discover if it is for you is to go and take a few free classes at schools in your area and see for yourself if takewondo is for you!

By: Jim Anderson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jim Anderson is an avid trainer and helps people learn self-defense using

Taekwondo

and martial arts to protect themselves on the street. His site is www.underground-training.com/taekwondo

Technorati Tags: keywords

A Few Benefits Of Tae Kwon Do Training

Tae Kwon Do is a true martial art, originating over 2000 years ago, with its roots in ancient Korea. Today, it is the world’s most widely practice martial art. As the name implies, Tae Kwon Do is more than a sport, it is a way of life. Tae Kwon Do is a modern martial art, characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks. Tae Kwon Do is now of course, an official Olympic sport.

A cornerstone of Tae Kwon Do is the forms that are used to practice elements of fighting.
Tae Kwon Do is not just kicking (like many people believe). Yes, Tae Kwon Do does mostly involve kicks but one must also learn some things with fists and also how to block.

Tae kwon do is an incredible mixture of stretching muscles to their limits while stressing them to their limits anaerobically. However, the tremendous physical training is only part of the ultimate goal of Tae Kwon Do training. Training in Tae Kwon-do involves both individual and group activities which also help develop communication skills.

Tae Kwon Do is an excellent means of fitness training. Whether you’re looking to improve your confidence, improve your fitness, meet new people, or just to take up a new past-time, Tae Kwon Do is for everyone. Of course, you will also have a lot of fun as you improve your fitness, gain self-defense skills and learn the exciting Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do training provides students with a positive way of life.

Tae Kwon Do is indeed an art form. The literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is "The Way of Kicking and Punching. While Tae Kwon Do is a fighting art, it does not encourage violent living. Tae Kwon Do, a highly disciplined activity, is used both as a form of self-defense and exercise. It is an effective and great way to unify the mind and body. Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean martial art designed to provide the ultimate in unarmed self-defense.

By: Laurence Clunie -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The article you have just read is just one of several informative articles on the subject martial of arts sparring that you can find here: www.martial-arts-sparring-gear.com

Technorati Tags: keywords

The Black Belt Of Martial Art Review

Karate belts are perhaps the most important aspect of a Karate uniform and if you pursuing training in this form of martial arts, you are going to need the right kinds of belts at different times in your training. As you move from one stage of the training to another, your progress is marked by the color of your Karate belt. If you reach the highest order of Karate training, you are endowed with a black belt.

Considering that belts are associated with prestige and status in Karate, it is not surprising if you want your belt to be unique and special. Your search ends at blackbeltshop. It provides a variety of different belts including Solid belts, Stripped belts, Camo belts and Custom belts. Explore the many options they offer before you choose your treasured belt.

While Solid color belts are the most common and popular types of belts used in Karate, there are many other choices available at blackbeltshop. The store keeps some of the most popular branded Karate belts. You will find Adidas black belts in this store. On the other hand, Century Advanced Deluxe Black belts are also available. In the Century brand itself there are a number of different options available. You may like to consider Century Satin Black Belt, or the Century Elite Satin Black Belt. You even get a choice in the width of your Century belts. You can get a Century Elite Black Belt with a width of two inches.

With Century belts, you also get the option of buying a Stripped black Belt to add a little uniqueness to your uniform. What is possibly even more eye-catching are the Century Two Toned Belts that come in a variety of double Karate colors. Century Stripped Belts are also available in White color, so that you get the chance of starting your training in style.

Amongst the most popular variety in Black Belts are the Embroidered Satin Black Belt and the Custom Embroidered Black Belt. The ability to mark your treasured belt with an important symbol, date or name, even your own, is such a tempting option, it is almost impossible to resist.

In the adjustable belt variety, Century offers Solid Color Adjustable Belts, Adjustable Belt with Black Stripe and Century Adjustable Striped White Belt. All these belts are designed to add a little dash of personality to your all-white uniform.

Blackbeltshop also offers Rank Stripes to those who prefer this system of marking progress rather than belts. They can simply be attached to your regular Karate Belt, and you can change your Rank Stripe every time you progress instead of having to change your belt itself.

The store also keeps a belt display rack and a ten level display rack which can also accommodate your Rank Certificate. This would make am impressive wall mount in any room.

By: FastSubmitArticles.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

We offer Discount Martial Arts supplies and uniforms, sparring gear, shoes, punching bags, and other equipment and gear at Discount Martial Arts Supplies.

Technorati Tags: keywords

How To Choose A Martial Art

Once you’ve decided that you want to start training a martial art, you’ll need to decide which one is best for you. Of course, your choice might be dictated by the schools available in your area, but if you’re lucky you’ll have the choice of at least a few different types. There are many different types of martial arts (and even variations within the basic types) so it’s important to make sure that you research the techniques and features to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. This general explanation of the six most popular styles in the United States can help you get started on the decision.

It’s also important to note that there are as many interpretations of the martial arts styles as there are instructors. Students also interpret the class differently than other students in the same class, so other people’s opinions are not always the best determiner of what style you should pursue. While you are trying to find the martial art that’s right for you, it is helpful to also try a few classes to get a feel for the style, instructor and school.

KARATE

History

Karate can be translated as ‘empty hand’ which means that it is a martial art performed without weapons. While the history of Karate is somewhat vague, its ancient roots have been traced back to China in the 5th century B.C. The more modern form of Karate began in Okinawa, Japan during the late 1700s. There was a weapon ban in Okinawa at this time, so people had to come up with system of self defense that used empty hands – they combined aspects of Chinese martial arts with the Te traditional to Okinawa. By the early 1900s it began spreading throughout Japan. In 1964, the Federation of Karate Organizations was formed as a means to create some continuity for Karate world-wide. Even so, there are many different styles and variations of Karate today.

Techniques

Karate is a linear martial art. It uses a wide variety of movements: kicks, punches, blocks, strikes, evasions and throws. Training focuses on having a strong offense and puts equal importance on the three areas of the art: basics, sparring and forms.

Features

People who practice Karate use their hips to generate power.
Ranks, values and styles differ from organization to organization.
Karate, which can be hard and straight line, is very disciplined and some traditional schools might seem very harsh.

AIKIDO

History

Using the influences of the traditional art of Daito Ryo Aikijo-Jitsu, Japanese fencing, spear fighting and Omotokyo, Moriehie Usehiba developed the martial art of Aikido (’the peaceful art’). He first used this name for it in 1942. The basis of this art is to live in a spirit of protection instead of physical domination. The art of Aikido is ruled by the International Aikido Federation in Tokyo, Japan.

Techniques

Aikido is a circular martial art. Instead of winning a fight with physical domination, Aikido teaches its participants to control and redirect the negative energy. This leads to a commitment to both peaceful resolutions of conflict as well as self-improvement through training. People who practice Aikido learn to use throws and pins as well as how to immobilize their attackers. They don’t use punches and kicks, except as a distraction. The basis of the art is to learn how to stay out of the line of attack and gain control of the attacker’s balance in order to stop the attacker.

Features

Aikido does use weapons: jo (a 4-5 foot long staff), Bokken (a wooden sword) and a Tanto (a wooden knife).
Aikido is a non-violent method of self-defense.
The quality of the belt ranks is strictly regulated.
Aikido lacks many of the kicks and strikes common to other martial arts.

JUDO

History

Dr. Jigro Kano developed Judo after he was enrolled at Tenjin Shinyo ryo School of Ju-Jitsu because he was frustrated with all of the student injuries. Judo is a gentle martial art that helps its participants strive to perfect themselves and to be a value to society. Judo, which means ‘the gentle way’, improves physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Techniques

Judo uses throwing, grappling, pins, holds, locks and choking. However, the training focuses on safety – participants need to work towards top conditioning and Judo is always practiced on mats. Judo participants learn the art through a series of forms that consist of throwing and sparring – there are no strikes in competitive Judo.

Features

Judo has a strict set of rules and a clear instructional sequence.
Judo rules, training and ranks are fairly standardized throughout the world.
Judo helps develop complete body control, fine balance and fast reflexes.
Judo uses a lot of grappling, throws, grabbing and ground work. Because of this, it often reminds people of wrestling.

TAEKWONDO

History

While the beginnings of Taekwondo can be traced as far back as 30 B.C., modern Taekwondo began after Korea was liberated in 1945. Koreans wanted to eradicate all Japanese influence on martial arts, so they began connecting the Korean martial arts schools and styles to create a national sport. The name Taekwondo (’the way of the hand and foot’) was chosen in 1965. 1973 marks the beginning of the World Taekwondo Federation. It became a part of the Olympics in 2000.

Techniques

Taekwondo consists of four disciplines including patterns, sparring, self-defense and a break test. Taekwondo is primarily a kicking art and there is a large emphasis on sport. People who train Taekwondo need to combine philosophy, mental and physical discipline and ability to their training.

Features

Taekwondo is recognizable by its high kicks.
Taekwondo black belts exams require a break test.
Taekwondo training can include the use of vital points to attack an enemy.
Taekwondo schools are often kid- and sport- oriented.
Taekwondo students often are expected to compete in many tournaments.

T’AI CHI

History

The development of T’ai Chi (translated as ‘the supreme ultimate’) is credited to Chang San-feng, but Wang Chung-yueh and Chiang Fa elaborated on the original art. They took San-feng’s 13 postures and devised continuous sequences that linked them together. T’ai Chi used to be a greatly defensive art – even deadly. So much so, that the families who knew it guarded it fiercely. Now, T’ai Chi is less violent and is used to get rid of more figurative enemies such as stress and fatigue.

Techniques

People who practice T’ai Chi may use weapons, but the underlying theory is that the art is used to unify the mind, body and spirit. It is often now used to guide negative energy away from oneself. There are two ways to practice T’ai Chi. The long form can take 30 minutes or more while the short form can take less than 10 minutes. The forms focus on continuous movement that leads to relaxation and solid stances. In T’ai Chi, each arm is used to protect half of the body and the hands never reach past the toes. T’ai Chi can be done alone (forms) or with a partner (self-defense training).

Features

T’ai Chi teaches awareness of balance and what affects it in oneself and in others.
T’ai Chi has five major styles, but there are always new ones developing.
The basis of T’ai Chi’s self defense is to meet force and stick with it until can be redirected instead of resisting it.
T’ai Chi focuses on slow movements, so people who like vigorous exercise often find this martial art to be boring and slow.

KUNG FU

History

Kung Fu (translated as ’skill and effort’) actually refers to over 200 styles of martial arts (most of which stem from Chinese martial arts). Kung fu can be traced back to the shoalin temples where the monks used it for health and spiritual developments as well as a method of self defense. During the early 1900s, Kung Fu, also called Wu Shu, spread throughout China when fighting arts became very popular. In the 1960s and ’70s Kung Fu’s popularity grew due to the Bruce Lee movies.

Techniques

Kung Fu is central to the Chinese culture and is used both for physical wellness and artistic expressions. Within the many different styles of Kung Fu, there are variations from hard and linear to soft and circular in technique. Some use weapons (including the common sword, saber, spear and cudgel) and others do not. The seemingly common thread through them all, however, is to teach the students to respect the teacher and other Kung Fu styles. Kung Fu also requires (as well as builds) mental strength in addition to physical strength to be successfully practiced. Kung Fu students also often practice some techniques individually and others with groups. In many schools, beginning training starts with what is called the Southern Fist style. It involves footwork, kicks and hand combat techniques.