To some, the concept may appear insane: you’ll pay money to go to a facility every couple of days and get beaten up. However, enrolling in a martial arts class can be incredibly beneficial to your fitness and overall health. If you want to love studying and eventually remain with it, you need to choose the correct system. Here’s a fast guide to determining which one is best for you. And this is just the beginning. There are many additional fields of study to investigate, but these seven are likely the most accessible.
MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING
Kickboxing has become a catch-all phrase for anything that combines punching and kicking, but Muay Thai has a few distinguishing characteristics. It’s a centuries-old custom that originated in Thailand, as one might expect. It includes fists and feet, as well as knee and elbow blows, as well as clinch, a type of stand-up grappling.
Where you’ve seen it: Jean Claude Van Damme’s Kickboxer is one of the most well-known big-screen portrayals of Muay Thai. However, if you want something more recent—and with less terrible dancing—the Ong Bak films starring Tony Jaa are a good choice. In the UFC, the methods are also very common.
What to expect: Techniques are taught by drilling combinations on Thai pads. After you’ve mastered the strikes, you’ll go on to some serious sparring. The sparring is tough on your shoulders and hips, but the clinch puts your core endurance to the test.
Is it suitable for you? If you want to compete, this is a fantastic place to start. Many MMA fighters base their striking game on Muay Thai, and amateur kickboxing contests are easy to find. If you’re already adaptable, you’ll find it easier to get started, especially with the kicks. It’s in the middle of the pack in terms of practicality when it comes to self-defense.
WING CHUN KUNG FU?
This Chinese close-range combat art focuses on balance and has a long and illustrious history. It also frequently includes relaxation practises aimed at keeping the body in peak condition.
Where have you seen it? If you haven’t seen the legendary martial arts film Ip Man, you should. It’s also used in action sequences in movies. On-screen battle is made more thrilling by the fast punches.
What to expect: When it comes to Wing Chun, a lot of visualising is required. It teaches the concept of a centre line in the body, which governs all actions, in order to keep the body in balance. The majority of the attacks are quick strikes delivered while moving forward and into the opponent. Because the stance differs from other martial arts, expect to be sore in unexpected places.
Is it suitable for you? It’s a close-combat system, so if you have a problem with personal space or have slow reflexes, this isn’t the game for you. There aren’t many kicks (most of the time), so if you want to use your legs, you’ll probably be better off elsewhere. Many of the forms, especially those with the wooden dummy, are extremely taxing on the forearms, so plan on wearing a long-sleeved shirt to work for a while. It’s a terrific choice, however, if you’re wanting to enhance your balance and attention.
