Martial Arts - 5 Reasons to take up Martial Arts.
Self-Confidence As you train in martial arts, you will notice a lot if improvements, such as your physique, balance, awareness, flexibility, and many other physical and mental characteristics. Martial Arts will teach you how to combine these capabilities and use them to succeed in competitions, attaining higher belts, building friendships and protecting yourself if necessary. The more you can do, the more confident you will be.
Self-Defence
One of the most common reasons to study martial arts is to learn how to defend one’s self. A number of schools may dedicate class time and/or offer a scheduled class that strictly goes over self-defence tactics. Also, depending on the MA style or school, self-defence can be a large part of the curriculum, which can be beneficial to those interested in "applicable arts" (arts you can use in every-day life) as opposed to "traditional arts
Self-Discipline
Webster defines self-discipline as the “correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement”. Whether it be trying to make a high-school team or meeting company deadlines, once you learn the focus necessary to succeed in Martial Arts you can apply it to the rest of your life. Success is mental, and Martial Arts will teach you the self-discipline necessary to succeed at anything you put your mind to.
Coordination
Martial arts does require a lot of hand, foot, eye, and mental coordination, but all of this is developed over time. If you consider
yourself as an uncoordinated person, training in the martial arts will help you grow those skills. You’ll be amazed what your body is capable of doing! Even if you are a natural athlete, standing on one foot, while kicking with the other, and blocking with your hands is quite difficult and involves coordination.
Fitness
Martial Arts does not have to focus only on fighting or self-defence as some styles are based more on fitness. Tae Bo and Tai Chi are two examples of this. However, those with an interest in the fighting & self-defence aspects of Martial arts will find their fitness levels quicly increasing as training not only develops various muscle groups, but flexibility and balance as well. One's level of fitness can be just as important in winning a match as one's skills and abilities.
Featured Martial Arts Teachers
Irish Martial Arts Commission
Martial Arts Teacher
Dublin
01 4762008
Abbeyfeale Shotokan Karate Club
Martial Arts Teacher
limerick
6830931
American Kenpo Karate Systems - Ireland
Martial Arts Teacher
Kildare
353-1-6270232
Anne Maher
Martial Arts Teacher
Westmeath
087 6342150
Asko Ireland
Martial Arts Teacher
dublin
01 272 0343
Ãras Chuchulain,
Martial Arts Teacher
limerick
01-8186400
Locations Teachers in Dublin
Students Looking For Martial Arts
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How to choose Which Martial Art is right for You
Scan a martial arts encyclopaedia (or try an Internet search engine) to gain a quick overview of martial arts styles. Determine if the martial art is a "hard" or "soft" style. Offensive techniques, such as punching and kicking, indicate a hard style, which tends to be physically intense. Defensive techniques, such as blocking and redirecting, indicate a soft style, which can be less physically challenging and suited to older students and those with physical limitations. See "Tips" for examples. Identify techniques as either striking or grappling. Striking is attacking with fists, feet, elbows and knees. Grappling uses joint locks and throws to control an attacker. Delve into history to understand cultural differences. For instance, high kicks in Tae Kwon Do began as a way for foot soldiers to attack mounted soldiers. Does the legacy of any of the arts appeal to you more than others? Create a summary table to compare and contrast your findings. Assess your physical condition. Do you have any physical limitations that might affect your ability to practice a certain martial arts style? Watch practitioners from the various styles that interest you before making a choice. Many schools have an observation area, so you can watch while a class is being taught. Ask permission first.
Most Common Martial Arts
Aikido is a soft, grappling style suitable for older practitioners or those with physical limitations.
Karate is a hard, striking style that includes weapons training such as nunchuks - short, baton-like handles linked together with a chain.
Tae Kwon Do is a hard, striking style from Korea that also teaches joint locks and vital point striking.
Jujitsu is a soft, grappling style that emphasizes using the least amount of force necessary to defeat an opponent.
Kung Fu (also known as Wushu) can be hard or soft, striking or grappling: over 400 styles exist.
Judo is a soft, grappling style based on Jujutsu; its purpose is to use a calm and serene mind to defeat an opponent.
Tai Chi is a soft, defensive style that has strong philosophical principles, stressing harmony with nature and fellow humans.
Consult a physician before beginning any exercise regimen. Remember, the practice of martial arts can be dangerous, so use caution at all times. If you have any condition which would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity
