Getting to grips with high kicks, Martial Arts and Self Defence

July 10, 2008

Whenever I hear people talk about martial arts and self defence, there tends to be a trend where, to the unfamiliar person listening in, they will say something like ‘oh you must do Karate’, which tends to be a stereotype for modern society. I am not saying anything negative about Karate, I greatly enjoyed it when I was young and would recommend it to anyone wanting to keep fit, learn a new skill and socialize with new people.

However, there are so many different types of martial arts and self defence styles out there, each with specific methods of teaching and it’s own history, many of which the majority of society have never heard of. Karate is but one of the forms of defence that a person can learn. It is not all just fancy kicks and breaking blocks with a forehead, although those things are impressive.

People who practice any of these forms will enjoy the physical and mental sides to the styles they learn. It is a great way to teach confidence, discipline, and technical movement and keep ones body in a healthy condition. I believe that martial arts should as a hobby, serious sport or even way of life, be available to anyone who wants to try it out. Especially our young, though one is never really too old to start. More people should be made aware of the different types of martial arts so they can sample various teachings.

MMA (mixed martial arts, a full contact sport) is becoming widely popular in today’s world yet can in many cases be viewed as a barbaric sport. Ok, granted it is a tough sport, however the athletes are well rounded/trained in a mix of styles ranging from Boxing to Judo, Jeet Kun Do to Karate etc. They are not simple street thugs, but men and women who work hard and earn their abilities/skills.

In most cases, many forms of defence classes will train a person to use their opponents strength against them, this can allow a person to overcome a larger opponent. It is not all about how strong one can be or how fast they are but also how effective one can use his/her mind to overcome a situation. I usually talk about very serious and pressing issues, but I thought that writing about something fun would be a healthy change for once.

There are many schools and classes in England (and around the world) that can teach various techniques and forms of self defence so it would not be too difficult to find somewhere to learn. England competes in a multitude of competitions against other nations, it is always good to see our men and women, boys and girls representing us, and doing so well.

Frances Robertshaw (a local Judo instructor) has fought in numerous competitions, winning a number of medals, trophies in England and abroad and competed this recently at Richard Dunn sports centre in Bradford, winning a silver medal. She tells me that there is never a shortage of students wanting to learn Judo, which shows that the nation is interested in trying adventurers things. Though as I mentioned earlier there are still many people out there who are unaware to what a martial art is all about.

I personally love Judo (throwing, holding and choking). Judo is beginning to flair in schools across England (especially primary schools) and is teaching young children many healthy forms of protective sporty activities. Though as of yet Judo has not had the most effective of campaigns to raise awareness/promotional ventures. I intend to change this.

On the sporting side of martial arts, the thrill of a competition is always a heart adrenaline filled experience that excites all ages, as many sporting events can do. I think that fitness and discipline are two major things our societies should never be without and martial arts can offer both and much more. So I say ‘why not give it a try’? You never know, you might even enjoy it.