What is Martial Arts?

Martial arts is a general term that includes hundreds of styles or systems aimed at improving a persons physical and mental well being. Most martial arts practiced today originated in China, Japan, or Korea. Technically speaking the martial arts fall into two categories, percussive and non-percussive.

Percussive martial arts, such as Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do, tend to center their focus on techniques involving striking with their hands, feet, elbows or knees.

Non-percussive martial arts focus on throws, joint locking and neutralizing the opponent without striking him or her. Judo, Aikido and Jujitsu are the most popular arts in this category.

Weapons are sometimes used in advanced training in martial arts to preserve ancient tradition, and for self-defense purposes.

Each system of martial arts has its strong areas and weak areas when it comes to self-defense. A soldier going into combat would be well-versed in any and all methods of war. With the possible threat of having to defend yourself or someone that you love, I’m sure you would like to be fully prepared going into combat. This is why Seikou Martial Arts Academy believes in cross training in both percussive and non-percussive martial art systems.

Today people practice the martial arts for the many reasons:

1)      Physical Exercises –

Training in martial arts provides a great cardiovascular workout, and an intense conditioning and toning program. Martial arts help develop flexibility, balance, hand-eye coordination, quick reaction time, motor skills, and explosive power. This results in stress relief a higher level of confidence and self-esteem.

2)      Self Defense –

Martial arts teaches practitioners techniques on how to defend against punches, kicks, grabs, weapon attacks, rape prevention, how to defeat the bully, verbal self-defense and how not to be a victim. Self-defense in not only physical but also mental. Quick reaction time, confidence, being aware of your surroundings, etc.

3)      Sport –

Martial arts as a sport, has many variations, from Judo to Traditional Karate, in which point s are scored from takedowns, throws, punches or kicks. The strikes are pulled short of contact, to kick boxing or full contact karate, in which the objective is to win, by knockout, as in boxing.

4)      Character Development –

No other activity can provide the same positive results, on a personal level, for each individual participant. The martial arts teach respect for self and others, goal setting, positive attitude, self-discipline, self-control, focus and responsibility.

As mentioned prior, there are many variations between martial art systems; there are just as many differences from school to school. Some programs focus on the fighting or sport aspect whereas others focus on the Character Development benefits. All areas are equally important and they all have their place. The key is to find a good balance between these areas. Schools very in belt structure, uniforms, patches, testing requirements, curriculums, policies, class structure and schedules. Just to name a few. We strive to provide our members with fare, concise, organized and a well-balanced program so that everyone can feel comfortable and get what they are looking for.

Not All Schools Are Created Equal!