Whether your goal is health and fitness, competition, self defense, or personal development, there's a class to meet your needs and interests. There are hundreds of different styles and systems. Although most people think of traditional eastern systems, martial arts Portland Oregon includes western forms such as wrestling, boxing, and kickboxing.
Most Eastern styles use a belt ranking system. Students test to prove their skills, then receive a colored belt signifying rank. Most Western styles engage in competition. Winners are awarded a Title, sometimes a decorative belt, worthy of their skill set. Advancement style and criteria varies widely among and between the different systems and styles.
Eastern traditions emphasize respect, self control, responsibility. All training requires commitment, self control, focus, and discipline. The fitness benefits are many including aerobic fitness, stamina, strength training, balance, flexibility, coordination.
Learn to persevere after a hit, recover from a fall, avoid a strike, land a strike. Proper breathing techniques extend physical capabilities and reduce injuries. Eastern forms teach choreographed routines to train the bodies reflexes and muscle memory. Some forms of Martial Arts focus on hard contact. Others practice sparring where the kicks and punches don't actually connect, but are obvious to a judge or bystander. Eastern training also includes advanced training in breathing techniques and meditation.
Kids find Martial Arts exciting. It's a great way to get them moving and training their bodies and minds. Children's classes focus on character traits of respect, self discipline, self control. Many include discussions and demonstrations of ways to handle bullies and strangers. Kids strive to achieve a higher rank, minus the team stress of fumbling the ball or losing the game.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Martial Arts Centers often require a contract. Students commit to a training schedule they pay for even if they stop attending. If you know what you want and are committed, these centers can be an excellent choice. If you're not so sure, look for classes offered through city recreation departments, city gyms, school and after school programs.
Most Eastern styles use a belt ranking system. Students test to prove their skills, then receive a colored belt signifying rank. Most Western styles engage in competition. Winners are awarded a Title, sometimes a decorative belt, worthy of their skill set. Advancement style and criteria varies widely among and between the different systems and styles.
Eastern traditions emphasize respect, self control, responsibility. All training requires commitment, self control, focus, and discipline. The fitness benefits are many including aerobic fitness, stamina, strength training, balance, flexibility, coordination.
Learn to persevere after a hit, recover from a fall, avoid a strike, land a strike. Proper breathing techniques extend physical capabilities and reduce injuries. Eastern forms teach choreographed routines to train the bodies reflexes and muscle memory. Some forms of Martial Arts focus on hard contact. Others practice sparring where the kicks and punches don't actually connect, but are obvious to a judge or bystander. Eastern training also includes advanced training in breathing techniques and meditation.
Kids find Martial Arts exciting. It's a great way to get them moving and training their bodies and minds. Children's classes focus on character traits of respect, self discipline, self control. Many include discussions and demonstrations of ways to handle bullies and strangers. Kids strive to achieve a higher rank, minus the team stress of fumbling the ball or losing the game.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Eastern styles focus on the mind body connection. If you're too infirm to practice combat style martial arts, take a look at Tai Chi. The focus is on stretching, balance, and fluid movements that are easy on the joints. Health benefits include increased focus, flexibility, coordination. It's a noncompetitive low impact exercise routine that can be modified to meet the physical limitations of the elderly and disabled.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Martial Arts Centers often require a contract. Students commit to a training schedule they pay for even if they stop attending. If you know what you want and are committed, these centers can be an excellent choice. If you're not so sure, look for classes offered through city recreation departments, city gyms, school and after school programs.
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