Martial Arts
is a very broad term used to describe combat and self-defense methods that are
practiced as a sport. We offer a wide range of martial arts classes that help
kids develop both mental and physical strength. Below is a guide to some of the
classes we offer so that you can find the right practice for your child.
Iaido: “The Way of the Sword”
Iaido is a martial arts form of Japanese swordsmanship that was developed
as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks. Practice is made up almost
entirely of kata, or pre-arranged sets of motion that were designed to draw and
injure an attacker in one stroke as a method of defense. Iaido helps to build
strength in the legs and upper body. While the basic principal of Iaido is to
attack, the skills that are developed through practice are those that calm the mind,
increase concentration, and find an inner peace to be able to focus on the kata
moves.
Judo: “The Gentle Way”
Judo was
developed from Jujitsu, the art for attacking or defending using only your
body. The current Jodu program was created in the 1800s after an extensive look
at all of the martial arts methods and is built on three main goals: physical
education, contest proficiency and mental training.
Jujitsu: “Gentle Art”
In the early 19th century, when the Samurai were
forbidden to carry weapons, jujitsu became a form of self-defense that required
no weapons, and could be used in hand to hand combat situations. The main goal
of jujitsu is to “manipulate the opponent's force against himself rather than
confronting it with one's own force”. Jujitsu is more rigorous than some of the
other martial arts practices and students benefit from the physical workout as
well as learning how to fall. In addition, students benefit from the patience
and discipline required to practice the various moves over and over again.
Karate: “Empty Hand”
Karate
originated in the Okinawa region of Japan and developed under the influence of
Chinese martial arts. This is a striking method that consists of various
punching, kicking, knee, elbow and hand striking moves as including the
well-known open-hand knife strike, and palm-heel strike moves. Students benefit
from using their breath to generate speed and strength and develop a strong
level of concentration and mastery of their body.
Kung Fu: “Work Hard”
Originally
Kung Fu referred to the practice of training and working hard toward a goal.
Eventually it became synonymous with martial arts training. Kung Fu
practices can focus on the “external” including muscle strength, or it can
focus on the “internal” including how to manipulate chi or life force. Students of Kung Fu build cardiovascular
strength, endurance and increase flexibility.
Taekwondo: “The Way of the Fist and
the Foot”
Taekwondo
originated in Korea and it differs from the other martial arts programs in its
superior kicking moves. The emphasis of Taekwondo is in the “do” which means,
“the correct way” and practicing “do” affects all aspects of our lives.
Students of this practice learn to generate maximum power for their size by
perfecting their breath control, stance, and technique.
Vovinam: Using the Principals of Both
Hard and Soft
Vovinam is a
martial arts practice that developed in Vietnam. Many martial arts practices
favor using either “hard” techniques (meet force with force) or “soft”
techniques (turning the attackers force into his disadvantage), but Vovinam
uses both. According
to a recent interview with Vovinam instructor Yanni Nguyen, “While
most other practices focus on one aspect: kicking, punching or throwing;
Vovinam covers all of those areas and more.”
