Learn Martial Arts?
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Mehedi Hasan
World of Martial Arts
What is Martial Arts?
Martial arts is a systematic system and a combat tradition that is practiced for a variety of reasons. It is basically a way to defend yourself from other individuals. Martial arts have captivated the world for centuries. Martial arts, which consists of fighting-based sports and skills, has helped us learn self-defense and even a little bit of spirituality in a fun and engaging way. Martial arts represent more than just a combat sport, with ingrained traditions that have been championed for well over 1,000 years in many cases, but what does the name ‘martial arts’ actually mean? The name "martial arts" itself, according to John Clements, is derived from an ancient Latin phrase that means "arts of Mars," the Roman god of battle, and was used to refer to the combat systems of Europe, as early as the 1550s.
Who invented Martial Arts?
There's no specific person who invented martial arts alone. It was always a progress that developed from time to time. In 2600 B.C., China became the center of the martial arts universe. More than 4000 years ago, the Chinese Emperor Huang Di was a skilled pole fighter and wrestler. He mandated martial arts instruction for his soldiers. Chinese tribesmen first saw skull-bashing wrestling in Mongolia about 770 B.C. It is thought that sumo ultimately developed from this skill. This wrestling was merged with kemari throughout the Qin and Han periods to create shakaku. Sun Tsu highlights the value of the arts in The Art of War while discussing combat and life. In 500 B.C., the Silk Road allowed Chinese martial arts to go to Asia Minor, Europe, and India. So, though martial arts have been practiced for many years, these were the main starting points.
Types of Martial Arts
Martial arts can be divided into armed and unarmed arts. The former includes swordsmanship, spearmanship, and archery; the latter, which has Chinese roots, emphasizes grappling or hitting with the feet and hands. Archery, swordsmanship, unarmed fighting, and swimming while armored were historically stressed during a warrior's training in Japan. Other types of people who were interested in fighting focused on unarmed combat, fighting with common tools (such sickles, flails, and knives), and fighting with a staff. Ninjutsu, which was created for military spies in medieval Japan and also included instruction in geography, meteorology, medicine, and explosives, was perhaps the most flexible kind of martial arts. Nowadays, sports like kendō (fencing) and kyūdō (archery) are performed that are derived from some of the military martial arts. Self-defense arts like aikido, hapkido, and kung fu are practiced, as well as variations of unarmed combat sports like judo, sumo, karate, and tae kwon do. Unrelated to its martial roots, simplified versions of tai chi chuan (also known as taijiquan), a Chinese style of unarmed combat, are widely practiced as beneficial exercises. Many of the armed and unarmed forms have derivatives that are performed for the sake of spiritual growth. So, here are the main martial arts that are currently popular around the world:
● Karate
● Taekwondo
● Boxing
● Judo
● Kung fu
● Aikido
● Krav Maga
● Jujutsu
● Muay Thai
● Kendō
East Asian martial arts gained great Western appeal throughout the 20th century, and judo (1964) and taekwondo (2000) were both included in the Olympic Games as full medal sports. A syncretic discipline known as mixed martial arts, which combined combat methods from diverse cultural traditions, had also become well-known by the early 21st century.
Can martial arts be considered art?
Martial arts controversy is a contentious one. Can one classify fighting as an art? The phrase "the expression or application of human creative talent and imagination, often in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, generating works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional force" is a succinct way to define art.
Let's examine this definition in more detail to determine if martial arts adhere to it. Every martial art has its own set of principles and restrictions, which in some ways can limit innovation. Good martial artists must, however, exhibit lightning-quick reflexes and the flexibility to adjust to their opponents' techniques. In light of this, enormous amounts of inventiveness are put to use as new assaults and counters necessitate lightning-fast recalculations and novel strategies. Although there are usually numerous restrictions on what is considered a "legitimate" motion in many martial arts, there is still a lot of leeway for imagination and originality that transforms the entire performance into a visually appealing one.
There is a strong spiritual component that adds to the aesthetic displays that practitioners often engage in, as evidenced by the fact that these traditions have endured within the sport for centuries and up to the present day. Art may be subjective, but by definition, the name "martial arts" seems very fitting for a sport that’s given so much joy to combatants and viewers alike over time.
Benefits of Martial Arts
Physical and Mental Benefits
● Weight Loss & Muscle Gain
The vast majority of martial arts are high-intensity exercises, so you burn a lot of calories rapidly. Burning calories means rapid weight loss and the loss of excess fatty tissue. Along with learning the martial art method itself, you'll see a constant muscle increase as you practice as well as through other physical activities like strength training. There is no better approach to start training in martial arts if you want to become in shape quickly yet healthily.
● Flexibility
Flexibility is a necessary component in martial arts. Whatever martial art you select, your flexibility will undoubtedly increase. Some people will require more flexibility training than others. To prevent injuries while training, you must stretch often. Additionally, the martial arts movements themselves will help you become more flexible.
As you get into more difficult techniques, such high kicks, spinning strikes, or ground submissions, it's crucial to practice flexibility. It will significantly lower your chance of injury while training, sparring, or competing, in addition to aiding you in winning fights.
● Balance
Despite the fact that this isn't the case for everyone, for me, the main advantage of martial arts has been the development of my balance. I had trouble standing on one foot without leaning to one side before I started practicing judo.
After only a few months of training, I was already adept at maintaining balance and body control in difficult circumstances. Training in any martial art can enhance your balance and motor skills, whether you realize it or not. Your general balance, coordination, and stability improve as you workout because you discover new ways to use your body.
● Increased Confidence
Increased confidence is something that martial artists of all ages enjoy. A participant's self-image is enhanced and their confidence that they can achieve in other endeavors and areas is increased when they practice, get better at, and excel at a talent. Training a martial art will provide you with a new skill set to defend yourself in threatening situations.
Imagine being able to face any circumstance with ease or being a lady who can go down a dark alley without feeling threatened. Any martial artist will tell you that there is no comparison to the sense of confidence they have in their ability to protect oneself in any risky circumstance. You are ready for real-world circumstances with the self-defense methods and sparring abilities you acquire in class. It gives you the confidence to achieve anything you set your mind to. When you first start martial arts, you could feel intimidated by the quantity of techniques you have to learn and the might of your opponents. However, the more you train, the more you come to understand that you have the power and skill to compete with, and occasionally even outperform, your opponents.
● Stress Relief
I believe that everyone who has ever practiced or seen martial arts can recognize the benefits of doing so. Your stress levels can drop dramatically if you train in combat sports. By punching a bag, working out, or just finding mental calm and ceasing to worry about anything, you may release the bad energy that has been building up inside of you at the gym rather than holding it in.
According to a 2019 study, self-control, anxiety reduction, lowered stress levels, and physical relaxation are all benefits of martial arts. Additionally, martial arts like Tai Chi and Karate place a strong emphasis on tranquility and meditation, both of which are effective ways to reduce stress. ● Memory Improvement
Your memory will also get a major boost from martial arts. You'll need to use your memory to successfully combine the components into a fluid motion since the neural synapses and pathways get stronger with each repeat of an activity. Your general memory will also get better as a result.
One more aspect you’ll notice an improvement in is muscle memory. You'll be able to repeat specific motions and techniques far more quickly, easily, and with a lot less thought as you practice them.
● Peace and Calmness of Mind
Many observers from the outside perceive martial arts as violent or hostile. However, the reality is that the majority of martial arts demand the exact opposite: composure, concentration, peace, and forgiveness.
Consider the martial art of karate. Meditation and spirituality are emphasized in training since the end goal is to acquire total peace of mind. You want to slow down your opponent as much as you can without being aggressive. Avoiding conflict is preferable whenever possible.
You may prevent a great deal of conflict by learning how to remain composed and peaceful under pressure. It can even save your life in dire circumstances like robberies, street fights, and other scenarios where you mustn't let your rage or fear cloud your judgment.
Social Benefits of Martial Arts
● Building Character
In front of or to other people, many people find it difficult to express themselves. It can originate from a variety of factors, such as lack of socialization brought on by fear of ridicule, bullying, or other forms of insecurity or low self-esteem.
In any case, learning a martial art helps hasten the development of your character. Your self-confidence will increase, which will make it easier for you to communicate your opinions. Being more social and outgoing around other people can be facilitated by having a stronger character or personality.
● Improving Social Skills
It wouldn't be a bad idea to pursue martial arts training if you are an introvert by nature. There are many individual exercises, so you don't need to communicate much in the beginning. As you gradually work with other practitioners, you can help each other advance while getting to know one another.
Being a member of the same martial arts gym means that you have at least some things in common with the people you practice with, which is one of the best things about martial arts training. It can assist you in developing interpersonal skills in a secure atmosphere by teaching you how to collaborate and interact with others.
● Socializing and Meeting New People
Being a newcomer to a city or not being the type to frequent bars or clubs might make it challenging to meet new people. However, if you begin practicing in martial arts, you'll be aware that you'll meet new people who have interests in common with you. Using martial arts as a conversation starter will help you meet these new people.
In training, particularly during activities that call for two people, such pad work, sparring, etc., you will first get to know other practitioners socially. Martial arts have a lot to gain from socializing because it frequently results in friendships outside of the gym.
● Awareness Boost
Last but not least, martial arts can aid in the growth of your consciousness. When I use the word awareness, I'm referring to your mental presence in social circumstances. You'll be lot more aware of what's happening, what to do, and what to say.
Martial arts training teaches you to always be conscious of your surroundings. In the end, it will affect your family life, social interactions, and other elements of your life.
Legends of the Martial Arts Masters
● Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee, a legendary martial artist, helped pave the way for future Asian cinematic action stars and usher in a golden era of Hong Kong cinema. With the help of his own innovations, Lee took centuries-old martial arts traditions and created what is today referred to as "jeet kune do." He advocated constant fighting style adaptation, which is encapsulated in his "be water" attitude. On November 27, 1940, Lee was born in San Francisco, but he became famous in Hong Kong, which served as the setting for Kung Fu classics like Game of Death and Enter the Dragon. Lee, who was 32 when he passed away in Hong Kong in 1973 under strange circumstances, is still remembered today.
After Lee’s death, his films gained a large cult following. Lee himself became one of the biggest pop culture icons of the 20th century, and he is often credited with changing the way Asians were presented in American films. A slightly fictionalized biopic, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, appeared in 1993. His son, Brandon, followed Lee into acting, and he died after being shot with a misloaded prop gun while filming The Crow (1994).
● Mas Oyama – Founder of Kyokushin Karate
Masutatsu Oyama, also referred to as Sosai Mas Oyama, was born in a South Korean village in 1923 into an aristocratic family. He started learning Southern Chinese Kempo at the age of nine under the instruction of Mr. Yi, a worker on his father's farm. He later relocated to Japan at the age of fifteen, where he enlisted in the Imperial Japanese Army before enrolling in the Yamanashi Youth Air Force Academy.
He started studying under Gichin Funakoshi later that year, and by the time he was 18 years old in 1941, he had already earned his second dan black belt. By the time he was twenty-one, he had earned his fourth dan.
Of all the things he learned from the creator of the Shotokan style, Oyama would always refer to Funakoshi as his "real" karate master, and would later claim that kata was the most crucial thing he had learned. Oyama started training under fellow Korean Nei-Chu So, a master of the Goju Ryu school and one of Gogen The Cat Yamaguchi's top pupils, after World War Two had ended. He started practicing Judo at this time as well, and in just four years he had earned a fourth-degree black belt.
When he got back, he made the decision that he wanted to take on the greatest challenge in a life-or-death competition, thus he started a series of fifty-two challenges where Mas Oyama killed bulls with his bare hands. He struck the bulls with his knife hand three times, killing the bulls instantaneously, then he struck the bulls 49 times, completely removing their horns.
● Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen is ranked eighth on the list of the best ten martial artists in the world in 2021. Donnie Yen Ji-dan is a Hong Kong China actor who was born in 27 July 1963. He is a renowned martial artist, movie maker, composer, action choreographer, stuntman, and numerous global wushu competition winner. Yen is a well-known Hong Kong entertainer.
Since the early 2000s, Yen has gained recognition for staging mixed martial arts (MMA) in numerous of his films and bringing MMA into mainstream Asian cinema. First Chinese UFC champion Zhang Weili claimed that Yen's movie encouraged her to pursue mixed martial arts.
Altogether Donnie Yen is well regarded for being a true expert in fighting techniques, and he makes it a point to master as many of them as is practical. So, is he really him? Let's first take a look at those who respond positively. He collaborated with Mike Tyson on Ip Man 3, and Mike Tyson describes him as a deadly combatant. According to Jackie Chan, he is the most true-to-life martial artist in movies. The former middleweight champion of Strike Force, Cung Le, claims to be wholly genuine. Donnie admits that one of the few reasons he was never accepted into Strikeforce or the UFC was because of a persistent shoulder problem. He is a genuinely full and authentic fighter overall.
● Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan was able to develop a distinctive fighting technique because to his extensive martial arts training. Chan is undoubtedly one of the most admired actors in the kung fu film genre thanks to his comic style and martial arts prowess. Chan has appeared in several action movies over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, with the majority of them placing a strong emphasis on his martial arts prowess.
Due of his comic timing and incredible stunt work, Jackie Chan stands out from the rest of the people on this list. It's mind-boggling to think of how many movies Chan, 64, has made over the previous 57 years (more than 150), how many crazy stunts he's performed, and that he is well-versed in both Hapkido and Wushu, about which he created a film in 2008.
When it comes to martial arts, Chan possesses an astounding breadth of talents. In addition to Wing Chun, the kind of kung fu Bruce Lee acquired as an adolescent, and hapkido, a Korean martial art, Lee is regarded as an adept in both Southern and Northern Shaolin kung fu. He has also had substantial instruction in western boxing and karate. Chan has described his style as "chop suey: everything" in the past [via Quora]. Chan's fighting style cannot be categorized by a particular branch of martial arts, in other words. Chan has developed his unique fighting technique over the course of his years of training by combining components from all the many combat styles he has encountered.
If Chan's collection of work wasn't impressive enough enough, he also enjoys popularity as a singer in Asia and has songs featured on several of his film scores. He has the ability to laugh and is an unstoppable force.
At the end of the day, we may claim that martial arts ought to be more widespread in our society. Since it benefits our physical and mental development as well as aids us in real-life circumstances, it eventually improves and completes us as individuals.
Reference:
2. Legacy Masters. [Internet]. 2011. Mount St. Mary’s University. Available from: http://www.msmary.edu/student-life/recreation/club-sports/phoenix_karate-do_association/legacy_masters.html
3. Masutatsu Oyama - Sosai's History. [Internet]. 2013. masutatsuoyama.com. Available from: http://www.masutatsuoyama.com/en/home/masoyama.html
4. https://www.muscleandfitness.com/entertainment/10-movie-martial-arts-legends-who-are-real-life-badasses/
6. https://multimedia.scmp.com/culture/article/2155989/Bruce-Lee/
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