Martial Arts Styles

Martial Arts Styles - what are the differences, what are the similarities? Which one is right for you?

I want to do a ball sport please!?

Every January I receive telephone enquiries from people determined to fulfil a New Year's resolution to get fit, keep fit or learn about self defence.

Full of good intentions and with a positive spirit they usually start the conversation with “I’m interested in learning martial arts” and expect that my club will immediately be able to deliver the activity that fits their perceived needs and aspirations.

The difficulty with “Martial arts styles” arises from the fact that it is a generic term, an umbrella name covering a myriad of diverse activities.

Some disciplines embrace the sport ethos but many do not. Some involve weapons some do not. Some, like Muay Thai training and Tae Kwon Do, specialise in kicks, others on throws.

The history of Chinese martial arts differs from martial arts in Japan. In Japan there is traditional aikido, kendo and karate-do. China has Kung Fu styles such as Jeet Kune do made famous by Bruce Lee.

Finally there are the less well known Israeli martial arts Russian martial arts, African martial arts and the increasingly popular Brazilian martial arts And what about full contact? Semi contact? Non contact? and internal or external martial arts styles?

Frankly the list is endless! It’s a bit like saying “I want to do a ball sport” I mean where do you start???

Evidently most people are unaware of the breadth of styles and approaches to teaching and learning that exist. To make matters worse some think they DO know!

Take my own discipline karate for example.

What images, sounds and behaviours does the word karate create for you?

Of course these stereotypical images exist and are often the type shown on the TV or featured in a tongue in cheek car advertisement etc. But is that karate?

For those with some experience they may focus on kata competitions or physically strong men and women delivering powerful blows with a loud ki-ai.

These recollections are often accompanied by personal judgement about how good or bad, effective or not, karate is as a means of self defence.

Taijiquan (Tai – chi). What images does that conjure up for you?

My guess would be that most people would imagine relaxed, calm, graceful movement, a meditative soft approach to be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age, size or gender.

But here’s the rub that can be karate too!!!

There are millions of people out there who recognise the need to exercise in order to reduce stress and increase their well being but would never dream of entering a karate club in a month of Sundays!

I have only been practising for 30 years, it’s not a long time compared to many, but as I have grown and matured (in karate and in life) I have begun to see beyond the differences and seen through the many egos and so called “masters” out there.

With age comes insight and on some level there are elements that unite all martial art styles.

Mountaineering

As a trusted and respected teacher once said to me, “the further up the mountain you climb, the more you come to realise that whatever path you take leads to the same place with the same spectacular, rewarding and wonderful view of the world.”

Understanding this profound and deeply evocative view of martial arts becomes increasingly apparent through years of training but may not help those at the foot of the mountain about to start their ascent.

For those seeking a personal challenge or a desire to increase their fitness while engaging their brain at the same time there is nothing better than to join a well run club delivering authentic martial tuition in a supportive and friendly environment.

Before making that first step the novice should reflect on what it is they really seek and consider carefully their own natural attributes or limitations.

For example an overweight person with poor flexibility may struggle if their martial arts style of choice involves speed and swift agility.

Conversely those interested in winning or the thrill of competition would be disappointed if their martial arts style of choice encouraged the more philosophical aspects of training over gold medals and championship titles.

I guess it’s all about horses for courses!

Choosing the right club or discipline for you is often determined by availability so if you are someone about to begin your “climb” take the time to really get to know what clubs are local to you.

Visit them; speak to the instructors and the students, particularly the beginners.

Research the Internet and ensure that what is on offer is authentic and not invented by the resident black belt. But if all else fails – give it a go!!!*

This website includes a brief description of the many martial arts styles available in the UK and links to some of the more well known organisations or groups**.

We hope to provide the reader or potential mountaineer some easy to read guide or signpost which may help determine the right martial arts style for you.

The top of the mountain awaits.

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* Martial Arts Karate Moves.com does not support high pressure selling tactics employed by some martial arts groups. In particular we urge caution when dealing with organisations offering financial incentives to sign on the dotted line and commit to long contracts.

** Martial Arts Karate Moves.com does not accept any responsibility for the quality or type of tuition offered by organisations linked to our site.