| There are many forms of martial arts; Southern | | | | they know, they are also learning to respect |
| Praying Mantis, Wing Chun, Krav Maga, Bando, | | | | others and self discipline. |
| Taekwondo, Savate, Capoeira, Kicking Boxing, | | | | Some people get involved for the social |
| Lethwei, Tantui. They all offer a great physical | | | | interaction. Its a great activity where you can |
| and mental workout. The basic concept of martial | | | | meet other people and workout at the same |
| arts is to physically defeat a person or defend | | | | time. It has been my experience that running 5 |
| oneself. Martial arts have been around for many | | | | miles or swimming laps in a pool for 45 minutes is |
| years. Most people associated martial arts with | | | | a great workout. But there no interaction with |
| the Chinese, Asian and Orientation cultures. Not | | | | other people and becomes a little boring after |
| many people are aware that kickboxing originated | | | | awhile. |
| in France and that Capoeira athlete movements | | | | Others get involved to learn self -defense. Having |
| were developed in Brazil, by slaves based on skills | | | | the ability to defense yourself, in a dangerous |
| brought with them from Africa. In the last few | | | | situation can put your mind at ease. Many women |
| years Hollywood has really glamorized martial arts. | | | | get involved in martial arts for this very reason. |
| Bruce Lee and Jackie Chun are both well known | | | | The old saying goes, the family that kicks |
| for their martial arts and Hollywood movies. | | | | together sticks together. Families are very busy |
| Not only do martial arts come in different forms | | | | today; commuting to and from work, attending |
| but; the people involved in martial arts come in | | | | social activities and driving all over the place for |
| different sizes and shapes. You don't have to be | | | | after school activities. This leaves little time for |
| a specific age, height or weight to participate in | | | | quality family activities. It is nice to watch your |
| martial arts. At my local karate school there are | | | | children's soccer game or softball game from the |
| classes for every age, old to young, white belt to | | | | sidelines but how about participating in an activity |
| black belt and everywhere in between. | | | | together. Getting involved in martial arts or karate |
| People participate in martial arts for many | | | | in particular will give your family this opportunity. A |
| different reasons. The younger kids just enjoy | | | | lot of karate schools offer a class once a week |
| being out on the mat kicking, punching and burning | | | | where all levels are invited to work out at the |
| off all the extra energy. (I do miss those days | | | | same time. What a great opportunity for the |
| were the energy seem to be endless). Little do | | | | entire family to spend some time together. |