There are literally hundreds of martial arts systems to choose from. Classes in both Eastern and Western styles abound. Martial Arts Portland Oregon includes classes with a focus on health and fitness, sport and competition, self defense, personal development.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
Although hard contact sports have injury rates to be considered, many of today's martial arts use soft contact training. The physical and mental benefits of training are many: aerobic fitness, stamina, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, self control, focus, self discipline. Training also teaches respectful conduct, responsible behavior, self discipline, commitment.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Kids find Martial Arts exciting. It's a great way to get them moving and training their bodies and minds. Children's classes focus on character traits of respect, self discipline, self control. Many include discussions and demonstrations of ways to handle bullies and strangers. Kids strive to achieve a higher rank, minus the team stress of fumbling the ball or losing the game.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Tai Chi focus is on balance, stretching, and weight bearing moves that are easy on joints. It has numerous health benefits including increased concentration, flexibility, and coordination. It is used more as a health and fitness exercise that a combat sport and is noncompetitive. Movements can be adjusted to meet any physical fitness level including senior citizens with limited mobility.
First decide on your goals: fitness, self defense, competition, or personal development. Choose a style that will keep you interested and engaged. Ask teachers or coaches about their qualifications and their training philosophy. Observe a class of long time students. Ask about practice and training requirements to advance and the expected time frame. Ask about programs affiliations and connection with competitions.
Martial arts centers that focus on a particular style are a good choice if you know what you want to study and are willing to make a commitment. These centers generally require a contractual commitment to pay for a minimum period of time, whether or not you continue to attend classes. If you're not so sure, and/or money is a major concern, check city recreation classes, local after school programs, city gyms.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
Although hard contact sports have injury rates to be considered, many of today's martial arts use soft contact training. The physical and mental benefits of training are many: aerobic fitness, stamina, strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, self control, focus, self discipline. Training also teaches respectful conduct, responsible behavior, self discipline, commitment.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Kids find Martial Arts exciting. It's a great way to get them moving and training their bodies and minds. Children's classes focus on character traits of respect, self discipline, self control. Many include discussions and demonstrations of ways to handle bullies and strangers. Kids strive to achieve a higher rank, minus the team stress of fumbling the ball or losing the game.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Tai Chi focus is on balance, stretching, and weight bearing moves that are easy on joints. It has numerous health benefits including increased concentration, flexibility, and coordination. It is used more as a health and fitness exercise that a combat sport and is noncompetitive. Movements can be adjusted to meet any physical fitness level including senior citizens with limited mobility.
First decide on your goals: fitness, self defense, competition, or personal development. Choose a style that will keep you interested and engaged. Ask teachers or coaches about their qualifications and their training philosophy. Observe a class of long time students. Ask about practice and training requirements to advance and the expected time frame. Ask about programs affiliations and connection with competitions.
Martial arts centers that focus on a particular style are a good choice if you know what you want to study and are willing to make a commitment. These centers generally require a contractual commitment to pay for a minimum period of time, whether or not you continue to attend classes. If you're not so sure, and/or money is a major concern, check city recreation classes, local after school programs, city gyms.
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