Recently, there is a huge trend for Singaporeans to sign up for gym classes to stay in shape. One of the popular forms of gym classes that many would have taken up will include spin classes. However, there are many other forms of exercise that can help one to stay in shape such as martial arts.
The term ‘martial art’ often refers to arts of combat for self-defence, competition as well as military and law enforcement. One may even say that martial arts can help to work on mental, spiritual and physical development too! Martial arts can be classified into many different forms stemming from different countries. Here are some you should know about:
1) Karate – Japan
Arguably one of the most well-known out of all the martial arts, Karate emphasizes on powerful movement, such as punches, kicks and blocks. It is believed to have originated from Japan in the early 20th century, where it is directly translated as empty hands. The philosophy of karate extends beyond the practice of martial arts but also to embrace working on principles such as discipline and respect.
2) Muay Thai – Thailand
Muay Thai has long been regarded as the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. Also known as Thai Boxing, Muay Thai originated back to the 13th century and was developed as a form of close combat. Similar to other martial art sports, it is a full-contact sport that involves kicking, clinching and hitting techniques.
3) Taekwondo – South Korea
Taekwondo directly translates to the art of using your whole body in order to defend yourself and is deemed as the one of the national sports of South Korea. Often mistaken with Karate, Taekwondo involves more leg movements than karate. While Taekwondo emphasizes more on kicks, Karate on the other hand focuses on the hands.
4) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Brazil
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or also known as BJJ, is a modified form of Japanese martial arts that was adapted by the Gracie family in 1925. BJJ will allow you to gain superior positioning over your opponent through grappling skills that you will learn throughout the class if you attend one. Holds, choke, joint manipulations and locking of joints are some of the skills that you can learn throughout the class.
These are just some martial arts that can be commonly found in Singapore. There are many different types of martial arts that you can find around the world, but one thing in common is that they all will give you a full-body workout. So get out there and make your muscles work as you pick up some great skills along the way!
This article was brought to you by Williek.
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