Martial arts are fighting techniques that often stress hand and foot combat methods. It most often thought of as a type of self-defense technique that is Asian in origin, although there are practices that have been adopted and honed from other places. Although martial arts focus of physical disciplines and prowess, they also embrace mental discipline as well. Some of the martial arts in Clearwater focus very much on the use of the feet; others concentrate on using the hands to render the opponent ineffectual.
The most popular forms of martial arts include Karate, Taekwon-Do, Akido and MMA, Mixed Martial Arts. Each discipline stresses the art form; it involves endless practice of the highly choreographed moves, punches and kicks; as the student of any martial art progresses so does their grace, mental discipline and strength.
One of the popular martial arts in Clearwater is Taekwon-Do, a Korean born defensive art which loosely translated means” with feet and fists”. The primary focus when involved in Taekwon-Do is the use of the feet however, the hands are used to block an opponent’s blows or to strike; the art stresses flexibility and total mental alertness.
Karate and Kenpo are very old forms of martial arts; they can be traced back thousands of years and as such are full of mystery. Kenpo began in Shaolin temples and it was thought to be a necessity if one was to find the “path of enlightenment”. Karate was spawned from Kenpo and was used as a form of hand to hand to hand combat using the closed fist; Karate instructors focus on hand use as the primary weapon and aficionados can break concrete blocks and boards with one swipe of their fist.
Kung Fu is a time honored martial art; it is based on the graceful movements of the tiger, snake, leopard, crane and dragon. A great deal of strength and mental composure are the goals of the student in this art form.
Jujitsu was originally developed to mimic and complement the weaponry style of fighting of the Samurai. Although weaponry is still an integral part of the teachings, the focus is more hand to hand combat now. The origins of Judo are in Jujitsu. Judo continues to become more and more popular and has been an Olympic sport since the mid 1960s.
If it is your desire to get in shape, defend yourself or perhaps lose weight and tone your body then you should seriously consider martial arts in Clearwater. Call or drop by Traditional Taekwondo Center Dunedin and avail of a two week free trial period.