Whether your goal is health and fitness, competition, self defense, or personal development, there's a class to meet your needs and interests. There are hundreds of different styles and systems. Although most people think of traditional eastern systems, martial arts Portland Oregon includes western forms such as wrestling, boxing, and kickboxing.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
The benefits are almost too many to list: aerobic fitness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, coordination. On the mental side are development of self control, focus, memory, confidence, discipline. Character traits of respect towards others, self control, responsibility, and commitment are highly valued.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Training for children focuses on self control, listening skills, stranger awareness, anti-bullying strategies, respect for others. It's a sport that many children find exciting, and it gets them moving and training their bodies. It also allows children to progress at their own rate. No team pressure to win the game, catch that ball.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Tai Chi focus is on balance, stretching, and weight bearing moves that are easy on joints. It has numerous health benefits including increased concentration, flexibility, and coordination. It is used more as a health and fitness exercise that a combat sport and is noncompetitive. Movements can be adjusted to meet any physical fitness level including senior citizens with limited mobility.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Storefront training tends to be more expensive, and often requires participants to sign a year long contract. If you know what you want and you're serious about a long term commitment, this may be the right choice. If you're just testing the waters, take a look at city recreation classes, after school programs, or community gym offerings.
Ranking systems vary among and between the many styles of martial arts. Eastern styles use a colored belt structure to show skill level. Western styles tend to be competitive. Tournaments award Titles. Sometimes a symbolic and decorative belt is presented to the winner.
The benefits are almost too many to list: aerobic fitness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, coordination. On the mental side are development of self control, focus, memory, confidence, discipline. Character traits of respect towards others, self control, responsibility, and commitment are highly valued.
Self defense and competition require confidence in the face of danger. Taking a strike or fall and getting back up is as important a skill as taking down an opponent. Eastern styles practice meditation, breathing exercises, and the practice of choreographed fighting routines to develop muscle memory. Some use soft contact for training, and even competition. Opponents stop a strike inches from the target to be awarded points by a judge.
Training for children focuses on self control, listening skills, stranger awareness, anti-bullying strategies, respect for others. It's a sport that many children find exciting, and it gets them moving and training their bodies. It also allows children to progress at their own rate. No team pressure to win the game, catch that ball.
MMA combines Eastern and Western training in an anything that wins goes style. Kung Fu focuses on striking arts but uses fluid, artistic motions easier on the joints to practice. Grappling moves are the focus of Aikido, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Striking styles that have developed into competitive sports include Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu also have a strong focus on competition. For self defense consider Kempo Karate, Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai. Learn how to take a strike, avoid a strike, land a strike (punch or kick).
Tai Chi focus is on balance, stretching, and weight bearing moves that are easy on joints. It has numerous health benefits including increased concentration, flexibility, and coordination. It is used more as a health and fitness exercise that a combat sport and is noncompetitive. Movements can be adjusted to meet any physical fitness level including senior citizens with limited mobility.
With so many choices, it's important to clarify personal goals. Decide what's important to you: competition, self defense skills, fitness, personal development. When you've narrowed down the possibilities, discuss your goals with the teachers/coaches. Ask about their experience, training, Titles or rank. Observe a class to see firsthand the training methodology and philosophy. Ask about affiliations and opportunities to participate in tournaments.
Storefront training tends to be more expensive, and often requires participants to sign a year long contract. If you know what you want and you're serious about a long term commitment, this may be the right choice. If you're just testing the waters, take a look at city recreation classes, after school programs, or community gym offerings.
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