| So, why do you want to learn a martial art? For | | | | mass has the added benefit of delivering |
| many, the main reason the do so is to learn self | | | | enhanced strength and a faster metabolism. |
| defense. This is most definitely a helpful benefit to | | | | Greater strength reduces the potential for injury |
| learning the art since it can greatly boost one's | | | | when performing common everyday tasks. A |
| self esteem and self confidence. But, are martial | | | | faster metabolism reduces the amount of stored |
| arts only about fighting? No, it is most definitely | | | | fat you possess which can reduce your potential |
| not solely about fighting. When one looks at the | | | | for developing a number of serious adverse health |
| history of martial arts, one will discover there are | | | | conditions. Yes, there is much more to performing |
| a great many health benefits to be derived from | | | | a kata than merely learning the root motions of a |
| the study of martial arts. | | | | martial art. |
| At the core of traditional martial arts is the study | | | | Those interested in losing a great deal of weight |
| of forms (aka katas) and their origins date back | | | | simply need to perform their katas with a great |
| to the early days of the Shaolin Temple. When | | | | deal of speed and fluidity. Of course, the faster |
| asked about why forms were so important, the | | | | you move the more calories you burn and the |
| most common response people will give is that | | | | learner you get. But, do not lose your precision |
| the forms were intended as a means cataloguing | | | | when performing a kata in this manner since you |
| (and even hiding) the techniques that comprise | | | | do not want to lose the connection to the |
| the specific art. This is most definitely a true | | | | important martial art component of the form. In |
| statement but it is only a partially true statement. | | | | short, don't develop bad habits due to a sloppy |
| Forms were also designed as a means of | | | | performance. |
| promoting health and wellness. | | | | It is also possible to perform a kata in a slow |
| One way this was achieved was through the | | | | manner. This has the great benefit of using the |
| employment of static contractions. That is, the | | | | kata as a means of stress relief. Also, you will |
| kata is performed in a manner where one uses a | | | | pick up a number of fine points in the kata which |
| great amount of isometric strength and tension | | | | will certainly aid in performance development. |
| while doing the movements. Such a process can | | | | Finally, any and all katas can be used as a means |
| be a little difficult and this is understandable. After | | | | of mediation. Which method of performing the |
| all, you are adding tension and reverse polarity to | | | | kata is best for meditation? Honestly, the answer |
| the movements. This, in turn, delivers an excellent | | | | to that will be based on your own personal |
| benefit to the performance of the form. Namely, | | | | preference. Meditation is best performed when |
| helps develop lean muscle mass. Such muscle | | | | you find the right speed for your needs. |