Martial arts were considered solely for combat till about a decade or two ago. But the unparalleled health benefits and holistic approach it offers has made it one of the most sought-after fitness regime. The movements, kicks, punches and discipline required to master any of the art forms provide unmatched fitness benefits. It helps you with flexibility, strength, dexterity, endurance, the agility of the mind and body along with focus.
Yoactiv will help you uncover the following topics with this detailed article on martial arts.
- Types of martial arts classes available
- How the practice of martial arts is beneficial
- The best forms of martial arts for women and how
Apart from the regular judo, karate and other popular forms of martial arts, there are many other forms from all over the world now available like Mixed Martial Arts, Filipino fighting, ninja-style bone breaking, moving meditation, Japanese zen archery and more. But we will look at the more popular ones that offer full-body workouts.
Capoeira
Some may have not even heard of this Brazilian martial art form that began in the 1500s but was outlawed and started to appear again in 1937. It is an extremely deceptive form of martial arts as it looks like dance but can be really physically demanding. This form doesn’t involve much contact unless you are participating at the higher levels. You may not be directly kicking someone but it can be a good cardiovascular, bodyweight exercise.
Capoeira helps you work on your core including the glutes, obliques, latissimus dorsi and abs. It also increases the range of your motion. If you are coming back to work out after an injury, Capoeira is very good as you can work on your pace and increase your flexibility gradually. This is great for men, women and, children especially love this form.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai Kickboxing helps you in hardening your body and focus your power. It makes you so strong that you may feel that your hands are swords and your legs are akin to axes. This aggressive form of martial arts began to gain popularity after the 2nd world war. This is a structured martial art form that you can train for alone, with a partner and also in a group.
Muay Thai Kickboxing is a great cardiovascular exercise that helps you make your core muscles stronger like the obliques, latissimus dorsi and abs. With regular training, you will see a noticeable improvement in your glutes, quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and abductors, shin, femur and also your biceps, triceps and deltoids.
Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu
This Chinese form of martial arts is one of the most comprehensive ones. It trains your mind and spirit along with your body. This is great for children to begin any martial art form. This highly structured form has a rigorous set of offensive, defensive and meditative moves. It takes a lot of patience and hard work to reach higher levels.
In the beginning, you are taught to focus on general fitness and physical abilities by manipulating your own inner energy field. The contact is kept minimal and there are repetitive movements that can be very challenging. It provides both strength training as well as cardiovascular exercise.
Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is traditionally a Japanese art form but you will also come across the Brazilian adaptation of this form. The Brazilian form includes street fighting tactics. Both these forms are physically very demanding as it is heavily focussed on sparring and grappling. To prevent injury, initially, you will be asked to focus primarily on falling and landing on the mat. This may be frustrating but helps in the long run by building your stamina, endurance and toughness.
Jiu Jitsu provides a complete body workout and helps you develop stronger core muscles. It also helps in strengthening your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and hips. A little demanding, this is style is one of the best for physical fitness.
Taekwondo
With Taekwondo you will be in a perpetual state of motion as you will be bouncing on your feet at all times. This combat-oriented martial art includes fast kicks, punches, jumps and spins. It is a great cardio exercise that helps in building your endurance as well. Punches will be short and snappy and many strikes will be kicks – high ones, jumping as well as spinning kicks. This helps in developing flexibility and discipline.
Apart from working on your core, it works on your hip flexors, abductors and glutes. You will end up gaining agility, speed and endurance.
Find martial arts sessions near you in the best fitness centers, today!
The various benefits of martial arts
Improved confidence
Practicing and improving in martial arts, helps improve self-image and boosts confidence. Many children have improved in their academics after they begin martial arts classes.
Full body workout
Consistent practice helps in increasing mobility, improving reaction time and increasing muscle mass. The repetitive muscular actions help in burning fat and never feel boring.
Improved flexibility
Various martial art forms include high kicks, spinning kicks, low stances, and fancy footwork. All ultimately helping in improved flexibility and mobility.
Better coordination
All forms of martial arts require you to focus on spatial awareness and coordinating your own body along with other people and objects around them.
Self-defense skills
Helps you defend yourself in danger as well as life-threatening situations. Hence it’s a great skill for children and women.
Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
Martial arts, in general, are known to improve heart health, lower cholesterol and regulated blood sugar and insulin levels.
Improved mental stamina
Since most martial art forms involve discipline and training, it helps you with more focus, better memory and learning skills.
Better stress management
Most art forms help you focus on discipline and breathing. This along with the confidence that martial arts provides enables you to manage daily stress in a much better manner.
Best martial art forms for women
Judo – Instead of strong punches or kicks, Judo focuses on throws and submissions. It helps you with simple moves that help you pin your opponent to the ground.
Wing Chun – Invented by a woman, this is a close-range combat system with compound punches and force deflection.
Aikido – With Aikido you can use your opponent’s force on him to bring him down. With quick throws and locks, you can neutralize a conflict.
Taekwondo – Women can train to use their legs for fast and impactful kicks.
Muay Thai – Train your elbows, knees and head to inflict damage on your opponent without much injury to your own self.
Krav Maga – Learn to use your body parts as a weapon to neutralize armed and unarmed violent situations effectively.