| As I was reading about Martial Arts and all | | | | workout. Kung Fu is put into two categories, |
| that it involves, I became very enthralled. I | | | | hard and soft. The hard style focuses mainly |
| dared to find out what all the excitement was | | | | on impressive strikes and kicks, while the |
| about. The phenomenon of martial arts to be | | | | other, soft Kung Fu focuses more on staying |
| used as a workout regiment for many athletes | | | | balanced and grounded when attacked. At any |
| or even perspective physical fitness fans is | | | | rate, both styles are prominent for |
| growing rapidly. In a nutshell, this is all | | | | self-defense skills while simultaneously |
| that I discovered. | | | | enhancing quickness and agility. If you |
| | | | desire more of a challenge or competitive |
| What I found to be most interesting is the | | | | edge, learn Karate. Different from Kung Fu, |
| fact that martial arts is researched and is | | | | Karate displays more combative and focuses on |
| used for various reasons based on each | | | | blows with the hands and feet. There are also |
| individual's goals. Martial arts are simply | | | | special breathing and shouting techniques. |
| defined as the systems of practices and | | | | Karate is a great choice especially for |
| traditions of training for combat. The sport | | | | family exercising as classes are offered from |
| is utilized for combat skills, fitness, self- | | | | the beginner to competitive. |
| defense, character development and building | | | | |
| self-confidence. I feel that the art is | | | | Lastly, Tai Chi is another form of martial |
| commendable in that it strives to enhance | | | | arts. During Tai Chi, your goal is to control |
| moral values and provide guidance for | | | | energy, conveniently known as "Chi." Its |
| children who become involved with the sport. | | | | practice is to have slow and controlled |
| So, I decided to study further to obtain | | | | movements that vary in the length of |
| information on how it may be beneficial as a | | | | performance. Tai Chi is not very advantageous |
| "workout regiment." I continued to find | | | | with weight loss, yet it does prove to |
| measures that could contribute to a | | | | improve flexibility and reduce stress. More |
| successful martial arts workout. | | | | so, it may even lower blood pressure and |
| Coincidently, the art has as one of its | | | | cholesterol. Since the techniques are slower |
| benefits the exercising of your body and mind | | | | than other martial art forms, it appears to |
| so you gain a "good well rounded" workout. | | | | be a good choice for older exercises or for |
| | | | those of us that suffer from mobility issues |
| Many forms of martial arts will help you burn | | | | because of arthritis, illness or injuries. |
| calories, along with the structuring of | | | | |
| strength and endurance. You would not believe | | | | From all the information that I have |
| that the appropriate administration of the | | | | gathered, I hope that it makes it less |
| martial arts techniques helps you burn up 600 | | | | complicated for you to decide which martial |
| calories within an hour. However, it is | | | | art style that would best meet your |
| important that you find the style that will | | | | objectives. Whichever workout regiment that |
| be most accommodating to your lifestyle. Let | | | | you try, it is sure to maximize your physical |
| me discuss with you the different styles in | | | | endurance as well as uplift your mental |
| order for you to choose the best fit for you. | | | | clarity. I encourage you to have a positive |
| | | | attitude from the day you begin on this |
| For full body training, Judo may be a perfect | | | | journey. Always remember that martial arts |
| choice for you. Judo is defined as "the | | | | are equivalent to self-confidence, high moral |
| gentle way" and concentrates more on | | | | and ultimate respect first and then the rest |
| self-defense as opposed to attacking your | | | | will emanate into your everyday life. |
| opponent. Its basic purpose is to throw your | | | | Finally, I must inform you as well, always |
| component through different techniques to | | | | get advice from your medical personnel before |
| disarm him. It is recommended, however, that | | | | beginning any of these styles of martial |
| you are not physically challenged to perform | | | | arts. Pay close attention to your body and |
| these movements. | | | | recognize when you need a break. Remember, |
| | | | martial arts is about improving your life and |
| Perhaps Kung Fu may be an option for you. | | | | enhancing your workout regimen, not causing |
| This will definitely add some spice to your | | | | harm to yourself. |