The phrase martial arts is used for various fighting methods that evolved from ancient Asian combat skills. These Asian styles are generally acknowledged to have some from China, India, and Tibet, where they were used by monks for exercise and as protection against bandits. Present-day forms have a wide range of applications including physical fitness, recreation, self-defense, as law enforcement tactics, as a competitive sport, and as spiritual disciplines.
Hundreds of names may exist for different styles and specialties of the martial arts, yet there is a relatively small group of techniques. All weaponless martial arts methods consist of one or more of the following: hand blows; arm blows, blocks, and parries (using the wrist, form arm, and elbow); foot blows; knee kicks; throws, trips, and takedowns; grappling and immobilizations (holds, locks, twists, levers, chokes, and escapes).
Colored belts are often used to designate skill or rank in a martial art specialty. This practice was first used in judo in the late 19th century. Yet, still today there is no standard belt-ranking system among the martial arts specialties or among different schools and styles of the same specialty. Commonly, though, the white belt indicates novice status; a brown belt is used for advanced rank; and a black belt indicates expert proficiency. Other colors are used in varying patterns of progression or as intermediate levels between the other three. As a result of no standard ranking, a colored belt awarded in one school cannot be compared with a colored belt from a different school.
Of all the martial arts specialties, Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do are the most widely known. The principal techniques are hand and foot blows. Kung Fu is the earlier, Chinese from while Tae Kwon Do is the Korean form, emphasizing kicking to a greater degree. Karate is used as a generic term for many styles of hand-and-foot fighting methods developed in Asia .
There are hundreds of local, regional, and even national karate competitions held in the United States . Some organizations host tournaments open only to their members while other events are open to any club.
Because of the wide range of applications of the martial arts many people can benefit from learning them. Furthermore, the benefits include both physical conditioning and safety.
A 137-pound person can burn approximately 726 calories performing karate for one hour.
Be sure to consult a physician before beginning any new kind of exercise.