Martial arts are organized sets and philosophies of combat practiced as a group of systems for several reasons including personal defense; military and police applications; sport; competition; mental, physical, and spiritual growth; and the protection of a country’s intangible cultural heritage. In many societies around the world, martial arts are regarded as the norm and are the norm to follow. It is not uncommon to find a mixed martial arts fighter who is a respected athlete in professional wrestling or kickboxing. Often times the fighter will combine striking techniques from his/her dominant hand to keep the opponent from standing up, though this is not always the case.
Some martial art systems: are based on a fighting style such as Jiu Jitsu, Judo, or Muay Thai. These forms of fighting are becoming more popular and are being taught in secondary schools, self defense classes, and fitness centers. A growing number of cities, states, and provinces have created official, mixed martial art competitions to increase interest and exposure. Not all MMA competitions are conducted by governing organizations. There are no governing rules to govern them except that the fighters use proper protective equipment such as padded gloves. However, some of the fighters wear special protective head gear known as MMA helmets.
Martial art systems: like Taekwondo and Hapkido are considered the most self-defensive among the various martial arts. The focus of Taekwondo and Hapkido is on joint locking, ground fighting, and submission holds that can be used to incapacitate an opponent. Both systems are based on an internal power generating force called the “hummingbird” that can be used to counter attack or escape from an attacker. The concept of internal power generated by the hummingbird is similar to the concept of qi (pronounced chee), which is the energy generated within the body to cause physical movement. Mastering one of these martial arts forms can provide students with a powerful self defense tool to use against would-be attackers.
Another type of martial arts is karate and Judo: While these arts feature various striking techniques, grappling techniques, and gymnastics, they have evolved into a sport training methods that thousands of people compete in worldwide. Known as the “warrior sports,” these two disciplines have incorporated many weapons and tactics to fight against other human beings. Some karate and judo techniques have been imported from various fighting styles such as boxing, jujitsu, wrestling, and kung fu.
For example: karate can be adapted to include joint locks and armbars to prevent opponents from blocking, kneeing strikes to cause submission, and striking techniques such as short and uppercuts to cause damage. Judo also requires a fighter to take advantage of his opponent’s striking weakness. One technique, known as the bizarre, is to parry an opponent’s strike and then counter with an assortment of kicks. This technique, used together with joint locks and arm bars, is effective in defeating an opponent. The sport training methods to teach students how to use their natural strengths to best effect.
The last martial art studied is Brazilian jiu jitsu: Brazilian Jiu jitsu is similar to other striking techniques in that it requires the student to be both extremely quick and extremely strong. Most Brazilian jiu jitsu tournaments involve the use of ground attacks and submission holds. Injuries are extremely rare in these competitions, and when they occur they are usually minor.
Because of its similarity to other self-defense techniques it is extremely effective in a mock self-defense situation or as an accompanying activity to normal training days.