Martial arts fitness

Your Comments

• Dr, J. Williams, DD, CMT, CCHt, DCHt, EFT wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  There are many forms of karate besides kyokushin, there is shito-ryu, wado-ryu, shoitokan, goju-ryu, and many more, each is different.we We also have other martial arts such as tai-jitsu, jujitsu, aikido, MMA, grappling, and hundreds chinese, phillipino, Russian and eclactic arts, each has something unique to offer in the areas of self confidence, self defence and physical fitness.

• Tracy V wrote:

  Aug 01, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  There are many martial arts and it takes time to get 'good' at all of them. Don't give up right away! It took me 6 months to feel OK at White Crane Kung Fu (See learnkungfu.ca for info on that style). I've now been doing it for 6 years and it's great. For any martial arts, find teachers you like and trust and go from there.

• Joseph wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  I bedan to study Meibukai Goju Ryu Karate over 3 months ago and it's incredible how much more flexible I've become, not to mention the muscles all over my body getting noticeably ripped. I love it but I needed more in the form of stretching. Beware though, you need to do it right. Try the book 'stretching scientifically' or the great book by Bob Cooley, 'the genius of flexibility'. Try it and you'll see positive changes right away! Good luck.

• g adam wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  It is wrong-headed to claim one karate style (kankushin) is superior to all others. Karate-ka like Canada's own Masemi Tsuruoka (the first person to open a dojo in Canada) have worked for years to bring martial arts to the public. They should not be dismissed as simply inferior. As a black belt in Karate, I had never heard of this "known" strongest form of Karate until your article. If you are going to write about karate styles, it may be best to mention other, more wide-spread and international styles, such as Goju-Ryu, Wado-kai, Chita-ryu, and Shotokan (the world's most popular form.) I would encourage people to stick to widely accepted, traditional forms of Karate, as opposed to "Joe's school of the striking serpent karate." The website www.24fightingchickens.com has an excellent article on choosing a good dojo where you will be successful, and have fun (and that is very important.) Strong training is the key to strong karate, no matter what the style. So no style of karate is necessarily better. The discipline and dedication of the Karate-ka is the true measure of excellence.

• Angela wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  I have taken Kung Fu for the past 4 years and I have taken Tai Chi for a year now with the same master. Tai Chi and Kung Fu and very much hand in hand, one more focues on slow movements and the raising of Chi energies and Kung Fu is more of a harder style while also developing Chi Gung. It definitely should be worth looking at as a method of self defense, It is a practical form of self defense yet it also has many strenous muslce toning moves. To achieve a black belt in Kung Fu will take longer then the other arts but if you dedicate yourself, you will be able to defend yourself effectively, get in awesome shape and learn something that you can make a part of your overall lifestyle. I encourage anyone to take any method of self defense, I personally like Kung Fu because I can make it a way of life and not just a sport like some of them.

• A. Wright wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  The karate section was an advertisement for Kyokushin and not very accurate regarding karate in general. Check out the different styles of karate across the Canada. But most important above style is a reputable dojo and an instructor you're comfortable with. For a list in your area, check out your provincial karate association. All have websites.

• S. Evans wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  Hello, I agree with Madeline - anyone inerested in fitness would definitely benefit frm Kung Fu classes. www.gingwu.com has some excellent info. S. Evans

• Cassandra Barrette wrote:

  Apr 12, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  You seem to have forgotten jiu-jitsu as a martial art. Not only is it awesome, it englobes most martial arts mentionned in this article, excluding tai-chi.

• Ivana wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  Fascinating article, really made me want to get into kickboxing and/or judo, but the website links either didn't work properly or the org's didn't offer anything in my area (Montreal). Stop teasing us, Homemakers.com!

• Phil Van Impe wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  I have been studying Shotokan Karate for 33 years and I am now the Sensei of a non-profit Dojo at Aldershot School in Burlington. Fees are very reasonable @ $25 per month; simply to cover rental fees. The style taught provides practical self defence while enhancing stamina, fitness and confidence. No fees for gradings. This is the longest standing Dojo in Southern Ontario. Generally 5+ Black Belt instructors on any night. Classes Tuesday's & Thursdays. This in not for babysitting children. 12 years or older please.

• kirith wrote:

  Dec 06, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  You have to check out kung-fu, its fitness for the mind, body and spirit!

• marial arts reality wrote:

  Dec 06, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  Costs for martial arts classes at a professional school is about $100 to $150 per month. As nowadays the martial arts industry average is $100 to $150. anything less is substandard

• Todd Lachance wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  You should look into Aikido. It uses an attacker's force against themselves. You can do Aikido forever as well.

• Emily wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  I practise kung fu twice a week and have found it to greatly increase my flexibility, stamina, agility and strength! Kung fu is a martial art that orriginated in China and some styles are based around different animal movements such as the dragon, the praying mantis, the tiger, the crane and the monkey. Kung fu is closely tied to Tai Chi and both help to develop increased personal energy. If you find a kung fu school willing to take you on as a student, hold on to it! Kung fu schools are few and far between in Canada with most still having a closed-door policy to Westerners.

• corey lapell wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  This is an interesting article but I felt I should let you know that Judo is in fact by worldwide participation numbers, the second most popular sport (soccer/football being the obvious first) in the world. So contrary to claims made by Taekwondo enthusiasts, Judo far eclipses all other martial arts in terms of popularity and participation worldwide. Please feel free to contact us at Delta Kaigan Judo if you need any information on the Olympic sport/Martial Art of Judo or if you would like statistics to substantiate Judo's worldwide poularity. Thanks for your interest in the martial arts! Yours truly, Corey Lapell Delta Kaigan Judo Delta, BC Canada

• andrew wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  As an mma fighter I believe thats the best workout

• Nancy wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  There are other benefits to learning martial arts. By committing yourself to learning the movements associated with a particular martial art, you are also learning discipline and focus, since all martial arts require repetition and practice to perfect them, whether it be the kicks from Taekwondo or Karate, the defenses from Judo and Jiujitsu or the graceful movements from Tai Chi. It should also be noted that no reputable teacher would ever force you to do something you aren't comfortable with, such as competing, or even testing for rank. Always remember: if it was easy then everyone would do it, but the rewards are worth the effort and willpower that is required.

• Johanus wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  If you want a really tough work-out, try Western Martial Arts. I've had people who are high level in other arts (Karate, Tai Kwon Do) come to our practises and then comment on how much more of a full body workout our practise is.

• Aleida wrote:

  Jan 11, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  Each art has strengths; but the biggest key is not the martial art, but the instructor. Visit schools in your area to review their goals. Ensure that the philosophy and goals of the school is something you agree with. Get comfortable with the instructor. Ensure that the instructor has been teaching a while and is continuing their own training. Ideal class size should be 6-12 per instructor/aid, particularly when starting. While I have seen class sizes 20-30 people with a good instructor, it was still obvious that some of the students were suffering from not enough attention to correct major errors before they were ingrained with years of practice. If you are studying martial arts for self defense (an area completely overlooked by this article) you should envision potential threats you may face and choose a school that teaches how to face them. Gang swarms require different tactics then rape. Remember that when you get into a situation, what you train you will do by reflex. If you are treating your training as a workout, then your mind is not prepared for a real attack. The key to defensive training is not in the moves, but in the mindset you have while doing the moves.

• Sanjay Singh wrote:

  Apr 12, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  I think the article could have mentioned mixed martial arts and grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which have proven themselves in the UFC and PRIDE fighting federations.

• mr. Jiu-Jitsu wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  The most comprehensive martial arts for anyone to practice today is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's simple yet efficient & effective techniques which cover all ranges of an attack (punches, kicks, grabs, and ground) make this a simple choice to use! go to canadianjiujitsu.com for schools near you!

• Jamie Hamelin wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:52 AM

  The article gives you a basic idea of some of the martial arts which are out there. However, the best advice to be given to someone who is thinking about joining a martial art is NOT contained here. Check in your yellow pages, in community centres, or other areas in your community. Try out a class in a handful of different martial arts (any club that will not let you 'test drive' without signing up should be avoided at all costs). All people are different, and all martial arts are different (including karate, which has, as a liberal guess, close to 1000 different styles and substyles). While it is the person who makes the art, you may be inclined physically to enjoy one art over the other (one possible reason why martial arts, esp Tae Kwon Do, have such high attrition rates). Do your homework, and enjoy the rewards! Jamie Hamelin Sandan, Matsubayashi-ryu

• leo wrote:

  Jul 31, 2006

  2009-09-22 10:52 AM

  Give Muay thai (thai boxing) a try! Fitness, self-defense or competition: punches, elbows, knees and kicks! The ultimate workout!

• Steve Wilkinson wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-11-18 3:00 PM

  Wow...I could not be more shocked at your get fit with martial arts article. I am curious as to how much research was actually done into certain aspects...most specifically the karate portion. As a student of Budo and Karate for more than 10 years (which doesn't sound as impressive until I mention I am turning 21 in May) I feel obligated to write this response. First of all, Karate comes from Okinawa, a small island within Japan but an entirely different culture, The Okinawan people are as Japanese as the Tibetan people are Chinese. Karate consists of 5 styles, each developed within Okinawan and borrowed/modified by Japan. The 3 most popular styles are shorin-ryu, Goju-Ryu, shotokan. Karate is not known for flying sidekicks...in actuality it is an art based on low level attacks emphasising a strong base and stance. Very rarely does a true karate practioner leave his or her feet. Kyokushin is not "known as the strongest form of karate", and it is actually Goju-ryu (or hard-soft style) that utilizes rounded blocking techniques. Please before you ever consider writing another article about the martial arts, use more than one website. Kyokushin karate will advertise itself as being the strongest, as will every individual style you encounter.

• Chuck O'Neill wrote:

  Jun 20, 2007

  2009-11-18 3:00 PM

  Martial Arts is a great way to workout, relieve stress, and have fun. As a Kung Fu instructor (in Wing Chun, a style designed by a woman), you can find different styles of Kung fu to fit your needs. Weither it's with graceful forms, or more functional and focused on self-defense (like Wing Chun). Regardless of what style of do (Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing), make sure it's fun! Keep Training, Keep Learning, Sifu Chuck O'Neill www.chuckoneill.com www.kwwingchun.com

• Jon Juffs wrote:

  Aug 01, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:00 PM

  Karate is much more than described here. Check out http://www.nka.ca/ for the National Karate Association of Canada as recognized by Sport Canada and the Pan Am Games.

• Brent wrote:

  Dec 06, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  If anyone is seriously considering studying a martial art, they should realize that it will likely be a long term commitment. That being said, DO SOME RESEARCH! As some comments have mentioned this article was in no way complete, nor was it very accurate. If it gets people interested, that is great. And it did suggest doing some research. So please... spend some time before signing up yourself or little Johnny or Jenny. Brent Tokyo, Japan (training and living karate here in japan)

• Gregory Boursalian wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  In response to the feedback about kung fu, kung fu in itself is a type of martial art, and there are many many styles out there that vary greatly so one must be careful what to look for

• Guillaume Levac wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  Fang Shen Do Kung-fu is the best way to develop confidence, fitness, stamina, mental and physical strength. For more information go to www.learnkung-fu.com

• richard wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  Tai Chi also has other variations. Tai Chi Chuan is more of a combative martial art. While following fluid and slow movements, it is a more combative martial art in the sense that you are attaining levels and have the option to train with weapons. This kind of Tai Chi might cater better to those of a younger age. Tai Chi CHuan is known to be one of the best martial arts one can learn.

• Andrew wrote:

  Dec 06, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  This article shows the basics of a few of the more popular styles of Martial Arts (Science). However, Kung Fu (chinese), Jujutsu (the self defence form of Judo), and Tae Keuk Do (Hap Ki-do, a Korean style of martial art with Japanese philosophies are better, in my opinion) as they are more closely related to close proximity unarmed combat. If somone attempts to perform a flying kick in your direction, the best thing to do is step sideways and/or backwards and that person will fall on their ass!!! Having 20 years Martial Arts experience has taught me confidence, inner strength and inner peace. Do your research before joining a club as some of the clubs are useless and promise you a black belt in a year. To be a solid martial artist takes years. You are just fooling yourself if you've only had a year of instruction and are a black belt. It takes discipline, time, effort and a ton of practice!!!!!

• Nat wrote:

  Aug 01, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  Karate is NOT known for flying sidekicks! At least not by us traditionalists. It is also not full contact, if you are part of the National Karate Association. Of course, you can expect contact at the upper levels in competition, but the sport aspect is only one small part of the study. Only about 10% of people who study karate compete, the rest are more interested in the self defense and health aspects. As for kyokushin being the strongest, I have not studied that particular style, however, I can say for a certainty that there are four major styles, each with variations on techniques that will suit certain body types better than others. Any well-rounded sensei will be able to adapt any technique to any level of ability or size of person. Kyokushin is not the strongest by any means. There are some extremely formidable practioners of many other styles. I think it depends entirely on the depth of your study.

• Ted Bonnah wrote:

  Dec 06, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  As for Kyokushin Karate, I think your readers should be aware that it is also one of the hardest forms in many respects, emphasizing breaking (of bricks, boards, etc) and often bloody combat with no protective gear. Also, it ultimately demands a HIGH degree of physical conditioning. For the average person seeking fitness, the traditional styles of Shotokan, Wadoryu, and Chitoryu would be more appropriate and accessible.

• Scott Hayden wrote:

  Apr 10, 2007

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  Capoeira is a martial art that originated in Brazil and is gaining popularity among young people. With all of it's cartwheels, backflips, and crescent moon kicks it's fun to watch a demonstration. Music plays an important part, a berimbau, an instrument that looks like a fishing rod is used to set the tone of the game, the "ginga". Other participants stand in a semi circle while chanting and clapping their hands. Punching is rare in capoeira, since the slaves that developed this art were chained by the wrists.

• Judith wrote:

  Dec 07, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  I do karate, and for that at least I know the information to be inaccurate. If you want fitness, you do not go for kyokushin karate, which is an obscure branch known for its brutality. There is also shotokan and goju-ryu karate, both better known and more widely practiced. Google 'em.

• Kyra N wrote:

  May 07, 2007

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  In accordance with the last response, trying out a class is key to see if you get along with the instructors and the other students (your training partners) and to see which art is right for you. I partake in goju ryu karate as well as Okinawan kobudo, but can't stand the floorwork involved in jiu jitsu or judo; the Chinese kung fu styles are a little beyond my capacity at the moment. Try it out, the rewards can be immense.

• Charles wrote:

  Aug 01, 2006

  2009-11-18 3:02 PM

  I know these articles are short and superficial but this one on martial arts takes the cake. Poor research and incorrect generalizations make this the worst of these quickie stories I have read to date.