Martial Arts

[rickey cecil]

Martial arts refers to various self-defense techniques, usually
unarmed combat, based on skills developed in ancient China, India,
Korea and Tibet. Some of the popular martial art forms include karate,
kung fu, judo, tai chi chuan, sumo wrestling, aikido and tae kwon do,
among others. However, in the contemporary world, martial arts are not
only used for self-protection but often focus on spiritual aspects, as
well as increasing self-confidence, assertiveness and concentration.
Martial arts are generally characterized according to the fighting
styles i.e. striking, kicking, grappling and throwing, and weaponry.
Kung fu and karate, a popular martial arts form, use striking
techniques that include kicks, throws, dodges, holds, leaps and
somersaults. However, tae kwon do, which originated in Korea, employs
kicking, punching, and various evasive techniques. Meanwhile,
grappling and throwing techniques are used mostly in sumo wrestling,
aikido and judo. In sumo wrestling, huge men attempt to force each
other out of the ring or bring each other to the mat by employing
various grappling skills. Aikido is considered to be the gentlest
martial art, and is not practiced as a competitive sport. On the other
hand, judo, a popular wrestling form, attempts to turn an attacker's
force to one's own advantage by using throwing and grappling
techniques. Some martial art forms also use weapons like in fencing,
banshay, Iaido, etc....

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