Martial Arts

Martial Arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. While they may be studied for various reasons, martial arts share a single objective: to physically defeat other persons and to defend oneself or others from physical threat.

Martial Arts vary widely, and may focus on a specific area or combination of areas, but they can be broadly grouped into focusing on strikes, e.g., western boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Muay Thai; grappling, e.g., Judo, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Aikido; or weapons training, e.g., Kendo, Eskrima, Sayoc Kali, Atienza Kali.

Some arts have a very specific focus while others, such as Mixed martial arts, meld practices from various schools of thought; employing a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts. While each style has unique facets that make it different from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systemisation of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms.

Martial Arts have become an integral part modern culture; featuring as events in the Olympic Games, used in military, police force and special forces for arrest and self-defence, and for general fitness, discipline and self-defence. Martial Arts are extremely good for improving fitness, coordination, endurance, flexibility, confidence, stress relief and can be a great social activity.

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