Martial Arts Madness

With the popularity of mixed martial arts fighting competitions over the last few years, a renewed interest in martial arts has come to the forefront.  Some boxing fans would even tell you that the martial arts are replacing that sport in popularity and interest.  For sure, we're seeing a surge of interest in the West.  However, old school martial arts types are not so thrilled to embrace the new madness that has accompanied the exhibition part of this rather ancient system.

My son tells me that he likes the skill, agility, stamina, wild moves, and pace of a mixed martial arts fight!  To him boxing is boring.  The purpose of this posting is not to debate boxing versus martial arts.  However, after watching a pay per view martial arts fight with him recently, I'd have to agree with my son.  There is non-stop action when it comes to these fights!  And the guys that were fighting were in excellent physical shape.  To do what I saw them do, they'd have to be.  Now make no mistake about it, there was some blood and agony on display.  Skill was also readily visible....on a bunch of different levels.  Honestly, I was a bit surprised.

Fitness and Martial Arts

Interestingly, when I think of martial arts I don't readily think of fitness.  Nevertheless, we have a good friend who quickly corrected me on this front recently.  She, yes she, is a regular kick boxer.  And she does this purely from a physical fitness standpoint.  She started this form of martial arts because it was different and she liked the concept.  Looking at our friend you'd think she'd go for something more gentile because she's a rather dainty type that doesn't look like she could kick much of anything.  Guess again!  I learned that she's progressed very far along in the training afforded with this form of martial arts.

Some of my West Coast business associates have roots in Asia.  A few of them are into regular regimens of tai chi.  They swear by it to both train the body and settle the mind.  Apparently, this plays a regular role in discipline that martial arts requires.

I'm told that certain forms of yoga fall into the category of martial arts.  Although I don't practice any form of yoga, I do work out at a gym that has classes.  Regular attendees swear by their sessions and are convinced they keep them a the peak of their physical game.

Martial Arts as Protection

Years ago, the thinking in the US about martial arts was mainly centered around personal protection.  Kids were enrolled in Judo or Taekwondo classes where they'd learn various skills and moves for self protection.  With changes in the overall culture, a natural expansion of this concept has occurred with classes branching out to all specters of society.  More recently even those having to deal with being bullied are learning of alternatives afforded by becoming proficient in martial arts.  And I hear it's not just physical, there's an integral mental piece to this as well -- the mind - body thing.

Masters of Mixed Martial Arts

For more on this topic, you can read Wikipedia's article when you click on the link MARTIAL ARTS.