An Introduction to Martial Arts – I Don’t Know Ka-razy, but I Know Karate

When you hear the term “martial arts,” this usually conjures up images of Bruce Lee fighting in a hall of mirrors or Jackie Chan’s lightning-fast choreographed action sequences. But, as Ralph Macchio demonstrates, you don’t have to be Asian in order to learn martial arts. There are karate dojos in many cities and towns, and most major metropolitan areas boast more than one form of martial arts studios. Taekwondo and kung fu are also popular martial arts, and there are lesser known forms such as judo, hapkido, and Muay Thai.

There are two major divisions of martial arts techniques: hard and soft. Hard martial arts focus on meeting force with force. These techniques often emphasize superior strength and conditioning in order to increase one’s efficiency. An example of a hard technique would be using a kick to break the arm of an opponent when he throws a punch. This prevents him from throwing another punch with that arm and, in most cases, will incapacitate him completely. Examples of hard martial arts include Muay Thai and kickboxing. Soft techniques focus more on using the aggressor’s force and momentum against him in order to put oneself in a more advantageous position. An example of a soft technique would be sidestepping an opponent’s rush and using his own momentum to throw him into a wall or down on the ground. Examples of soft martial arts include judo and jiu-jitsu. Many martial arts employ a combination of hard and soft techniques.

But one thing that all martial arts have in common is that they require discipline and rigorous physical training. Many schools of martial arts also believe in training the mind by training the body. Most forms of martial arts subscribe to the belief that a superior intellect can lead to victory in many situations in which one is physically outmatched. Therefore, they stress the importance of heeding and respecting one’s instructors, as well as respecting one’s opponent, so as not to underestimate him or her. But they also emphasize the importance of physical fitness. One’s body must be fit to respond to one’s mind in order for martial arts training to be truly effective.

Whether you’re interested in martial arts for self-defense, to stay fit, or even just because you think it’s cool, you’re sure to benefit from training in any of these combat practices and traditions. And if you’re ever in a situation in which you need to use that training, you’ll be glad that you have it.