Martial arts have become increasingly popular as people search for ways to stay active and healthy while engaging their minds. This physical pursuit certainly isn’t new, though its popularity has grown in recent times. Some of the earliest art depicting the practice of martial arts reaches all the way back to ancient Egypt. From India to Greece, martial arts have been an integral part of human life for thousands of years.
If you’re considering starting a martial arts practice, you might be overwhelmed by the many types of martial arts practiced today. With different varieties of martial arts across the world, knowing where to start can be confusing. We’ve rounded up the top five types of martial arts being practiced today to help you get a better idea of where to start.
Karate
If you had to name a form of martial arts, you’d probably list Karate close to the top. As one of the most popular forms of martial arts today, Karate has millions of students around the world. Though its roots reach back to Okinawa, Japan over a thousand years back, the modern form practiced today is roughly 200 years old.
Karate is a powerful form of martial arts for those seeking to gain physical strength and mental fortitude. This practice is perfect for gaining discipline, fitness, and boosting confidence. When training in Karate, you’ll use your feet, knees, hands, and elbows.
Does Karate sound like the perfect form of martial arts for you? Start your training in a welcoming studio with expert instructed classes at Premier Martial Arts.
Krav Maga
This martial arts form is made up of many different varieties, from Karate to boxing, Aikido, and more. Designed specifically for the purpose of self-defense, this martial art is considered a deadly force when practiced by well-trained students. Krav Maga is such a reliable form of self-defense it’s used by militaries and law enforcement, including the Israeli army, where it was first developed in the 1950s.
If you’re interested in a form of martial arts that will offer practical self-defense, Krav Maga is your best bet. This martial art is specifically formed to inflict serious damage against an opponent for self-protection. Premier Martial Arts offers a Krav Maga program that teaches this self-defense art while emphasizing the fitness benefits too.
Taekwondo
Another form of martial arts you’ve liked already heard of, Taekwondo is a popular Korean martial art that blends elements from Karate and Chinese martial arts. This martial art is on the younger side, having been officially created during the 1940s.
Taekwondo is similar to Karate in how it balances physical training with mental training. This martial art is great for those seeking a balance in their training and who want a physical outlet as well as a challenge of mental strength.
Aikido
Another Japanese martial art, Aikido is an interesting approach to self-defense because it seeks to use an opponent’s movements against them. Rather than going directly against an opponent, Aikido minimizes your vulnerability while exploiting the opponent’s vulnerability as they move to attack.
This form of martial arts is a great option for those who are seeking a spiritual side to their practice. With its focus on non-resistance and self-defense, Aikido blends physical training with a heavy degree of discipline, situational awareness, and emotional mastery.
Kickboxing
If you’re looking for a serious workout that burns fat, builds muscle, and makes you feel confident and strong, look no further than kickboxing. This is a younger martial art, originating in Japan during the 1950s and then appearing in the United States in the 1970s. There are many varieties of kickboxing today, including one of the more popular forms known as Muay Thai.
Kickboxing is a favorite martial art for those who want to get into great shape quickly while learning some self-defense. The strength and speed that kickboxing trains you for build confidence and can be a powerful move against an attacker.
Ready to start your kickboxing training? Premier Martial Arts has a Kickboxing program that will have you feeling fit and powerful in no time.
Starting Out With Martial Arts
The power of martial arts to provide both physical and mental health has become undeniable, leading to the popularity of many forms today. If you’re seeking a martial arts practice to enrich your life and up your fitness, Premier Martial Arts offers expert-led training in a welcoming environment you can join today.
