Notes from the Tigers Cave

If you want to practice a self defence program, it would be a great idea to study the various forms of Chinese, Korean and Japanese martial arts so that you can make an informed choice about the style that best suits your requirements. Remember, every type has its own unique set of qualities and style that you would want to know more about before you take up self defense classes.

Korean Martial Arts

In Korea, the most popular fighting styles are taekwondo and hapkido. Both are effective self-defense forms, although it’s the former that flourished in the United States and in different western countries. Taekwondo became famous not only for its high kicks and defensive strategies but also for the teachings and philosophy surrounding it. Taekwondo and hapkido were first introduced in the United States after the Korean War.

Today, taekwondo is a recognized competitive sport in the Olympics. Training in this martial art would require use of breaking boards and fast action kicks. You need to complete each training grade to be able to earn a belt. Hapkido, meanwhile, involves less kicking and more wrist locking and throwing.

Japanese Martial Arts

There are five different classifications of Japanese martial arts:

• Aikido – developed by Morihei Ueshiba; the defender blends with the motion of the attacker and redirects the force of the attack.
• Judo – founded by Dr Kano Jigoro; the object is to throw and subdue one’s opponent.
• Jujitsu – a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent either bare handed or with a short weapon.
• Karate – a striking art using punches, kicks, knee and elbow jabs, and open-handed techniques chops.
• Kendo – sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, using bamboo practice swords.[

In the United States, all these forms of fighting are taught and practiced in martial arts classes. What makes Japanese fighting style stand out is the straight line attack that it incorporates in its movements.

Chinese Martial Arts

If you ask people about Chinese martial arts, you’ll often hear the words, kung fu and Bruce Lee. That’s because kung fu is the most widely known Chinese martial arts fighting style and Bruce Lee is the most famous kung fu fighter whom even the present generation knows about.

Chinese martial arts began in 12th century and since then have branched out to several forms, with kung fu maintaining as the most famous form. The oldest forms started in Shaolin monasteries. Kung fu also has various styles and moves but it focuses on acrobatic moves and fighting techniques. Chinese fighting style emphasize on strength, balance, and weapon proficiency. Modern kung fu styles have emerged over the recent years. Some of which you’ll find in Hollywood movies starring Jacky Chan and Jet Li.

Self defence training requires a lot of dedication and effort, which is why right from the start you need to make the right decision on which particular type of fighting form to undertake. Once you’ve decided, you can buy self defence videos or go to martial arts training classes to pursue your aspiration. Make sure you choose a class or video that will give you the best kind of training. You may go online to check your choices on self defense videos or go around your location to find a worthy martial arts training school. Good luck!

For more details about self defense videos & self defense training, please visit us online.

A lot of people learned about Taekwondo after watching it at the Beijing Olympics in the summer of 2008. One common questions people ask when first exposed to Taekwondo is:

“What is the history of Taekwondo?”

In this article, today’s guest blogger, martial arts specialist Troy Macraft offers a brief introduction to taekwondo history and its entry into the Olympic games.

History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It is, in fact, the national sport of South Korea. In the Korean language, “tae” means foot, “kwon” means fist, and “do” means way. The typical translation of “taekwondo” is “the way of the fist and the foot.”

Considering the number of people that practice and study taekwondo, it is the most popular of all the martial arts. Taekwondo students choose to practice this martial art for a variety of reasons. Some participants enjoy the fact that taekwondo is a sport and offers training in self-defense, while others study taekwondo as a form of meditation or physical exercise.

The roots of taekwondo can be traced back about two thousand years ago, but established rules and regulations for this martial art were not formed until 1957.

Japanese Occupation of Korea

It is believed that today’s taekwondo was begun during the Japanese Occupation of Korea from 1910-1945, particularly the years between 1930 and 1940. Fearing resistance to their occupation of Korea, the Japanese forbade the practice of martial arts by Koreans. Koreans organized underground martial arts practices, using many of the martial art techniques they had seen exhibited by the Japanese during the Occupation years, and developing their own special form of marital art.

Taekwondo and the Olympics

Taekwondo was not part of the Olympics’ line up of sporting events until the 1988 Seoul Olympics  in South Korea. In 1988, taekwondo was a demonstration sport for the Olympics. Taekwondo was not an official sport of the Olympics until the 2000 Sydney, Australia Olympic games. Not surprisingly, Korea won three of the four gold medals for taekwondo competition at the Sydney games, with heavyweight Kyong-Hun Kim winning two 5-0 victories and then defeating Pascal Gentil (France) 6-2 in the semifinals and Australian Daniel Trenton in the final.

Here’s a video by a Korean Taekwondo teacher demonstrating one of the most powerful taekwondo kicks, the spinning whip kick…

Taekwondo Equipment

The sportswear manufacturer, Adidas, supplied the Chinese Olympic team with taekwondo gear, sparring equipment, protective gear, and uniforms.

Taekwondo uniforms are V-necked, long-sleeved uniforms, usually made from a cotton and polyester blend fabric. Sparring equipment for taekwondo includes vinyl-covered padded head gear, gloves, and shin guards.

A popular taekwondo protective gear is the body protector, a padded body shield for the chest, abdomen, and shoulder area. It is important to remember that all taekwondo equipment should fit properly and comfortably. Look for the approval of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) on all taekwondo equipment.

Troy Macraft is an independent content writer who specializes in the martial arts. Troy’s passion is in the mixed martial arts as he is working for The MMA Zone as the online martial arts supplies store. Shop The MMA Zone for great prices on all your Taekwondo Uniforms!