Exercising was never an important part of my life before. Just over a year ago, my focus was to finish my eight-hour work days on time, and then relax the whole weekend. I didn’t see the need to exercise since I am not overweight and I have an ‘okay’ eating habit.

It is not until my mind had become restless and my body ached for movement that I considered exerting my muscles through exercising. My job at that time was not strenuous. I only had to sit at my desk, answer emails, and create documents. For some reason however, I developed shoulder pains and lower back aches.

I also noticed that I was becoming listless. Not a lot of things were interesting anymore. Relaxing through watching movies, reading novels, and getting weekly massages were not as appealing as before. At first I refused to accept that I may have the need for exercise because I dreaded physical activities. Taking a long walk while travelling was all that I could consider.

Our bodies speak to us. And as much as I wanted to deny myself, at the back of my mind I knew what I needed to do. I thought of hitting the gym or at least go for regular runs. Checking out alternatives, I saw the possibility of learning a martial art. It looked interesting in films and television, and it is something that I have never tried before.

I didn’t let myself have second thoughts because my body was already screaming with the urgency to move. And after the initial pains of kick-boxing and the nausea-inducing moves of jiu jitsu, I came to appreciate the benefits of martial arts, not only in the physical aspect, but also in the way it improved my mental health.

Bruce Lee, the famous actor and martial arts icon, once said that this art is an expression and communication of emotions.

Developed through centuries of practice and improvements, it is known that martial arts provide the practitioners with benefits in the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental levels. As the person’s physical health is improved with stamina, strength, movement coordination, and flexibility, the person’s mental well-being is also boosted. The practitioner achieves better self-control, self-esteem, and emotional stability. It is due to this reason that different martial arts schools focus on the therapeutic aspects of their trainings.

Let us take a look at the benefits we can gain from martial arts training:

Weight loss and total body work out

In martial arts, we use every muscle group in our body while training. We hone our muscle tone, flexibility, stamina, strength, and balance. As we get our muscles moving and as our working out becomes more intense, we also burn big amounts of calories and excess fats.

Maintaining the right weight is essential for a healthy lifestyle. We move easier and we don’t get tired right away. We not only improve our reflexes while training, it also becomes apparent in performing our daily activities.

Furthermore, through martial arts, we increase our cardiovascular health by getting into activities that stress the heart and promote better blood circulation in our bodies.

Muscle development

We can’t deny that one of the main reasons we work out is because we want to look good. Men want to have wider shoulders and bigger chests to fit those tight shirts. Women want to have smaller waists to emphasize the curves of their body.

Since we exercise all of our body parts during a martial arts training, we develop a well-toned body. The training distribution is equal that we would not have to worry about developing a heavy upper-body, while having skinny legs, for example.

Increased mental health

Studies show that people who participate in regular exercise are able to improve their moods. By performing a martial art, like tai chi, jiu jitsu or judo or karate, we are able to relieve frustration and stress. And in turn, we become happier people.

In my case, training in jiu jitsu and Muay Thai clears my mind. It becomes a time when worries of the daily life fail bother me. By concentrating on movements and techniques and inner peace, my mind clears the webs that threaten to fill myself with doubts.

The great thing about martial arts are the levels we can achieve by practicing them. We can opt not to simply aim for a better body and mind, but we can undergo the belt tests or the ranking system. By trying to attain higher belts, we are giving ourselves a chance to becoming better individuals.

We will be able to gain new skills as our instructors, coaches, and masters feed us with a wealth of knowledge. They will make sure that we are ready to take on the higher steps of personal development.

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Is the karate uniform you are currently using a bit worn out? Do you think you need a new outfit? Do you have enough money for a more ‘upmarket’ and heavier canvas attire? Then you would like to read this article on shopping for a heavy weight karate uniform.

Heavyweight karate uniform or karategi weigh 14 ounces and higher. These are called ultimate karate uniforms, dedicated for the serious karateka. Obviously these are more expensive than the two other types of uniform, lightweight and middleweight.

Of course, you should realize that a heavier uniform won’t make you perform better in class. But that said, it is still a good idea to invest in this type of uniform. For one, this should last a long time. It can also absorb a lot of sweat.

When it comes to aesthetics, there’s no denying that heavy weight karategis look very good. You would be proud to be seen wearing one, and it can add to your confidence which is important as you try to progress in the martial arts. It’s not surprising that most karate practitioners prefer a heavy weight GI for more formal events like assessment and competition, while the lighter GIs are used for training and sparring.

You should also realize some of the downsides of wearing a heavier uniform. One is that it would take a longer time to dry the attire. Plus, ironing it can be quite a task except if you buy one that is advertised to be ‘no ironing’ required. Karate uniform made of polyester/cotton blend can also dry fast.

Another reason why many karate practitioners love using a heavy weight karate uniform is because it produces a snap, or an audible sound after a combination of high speed techniques followed by a sudden, crisp stop. Usually, a thick and stiff material of the uniform amplifies the audible snap sound which is why heavy weight karategis are desirable among many karate practitioners. In fact some karate practitioners even use starch to increase stiffness of the material and make the snap sound more audible.

While it appeals to some vain karatekas, many karate instructors discourage snapping because it does not indicate that the technique was correctly performed. So don’t just buy a heavy weight karategi because it can make a snapping sound.

Price

So how much should you allot for a heavy weight karate uniform?

Heavy weigh karate uniforms vary in prices, although the prices usually start at around $60. The price can go as much as $300 depending on the color, quality, and cut.

If you are looking for a good brand of karategi, you can consider the Ronin Brand Shiai which makes canvas karategi from Japan. Shureido and Tokaido are also two other good brands of karate uniform.

Color

When you’re shopping for a heavy weight karategi, chances are you’ll buy a white one because white is the traditional color. But there are also uniforms in various colors like black, blue, and red. Still, you need to clear with your instructor on the color that is acceptable to wear.

There are two styles of expensive, heavyweight karategis—tournament cut and traditional cut. The major difference between the cuts is the length of the jacket and pants. Traditional cut uniforms usually have full length pants and sleeves, while tournament cut uniforms are shorter thus exposing the lower leg and the forearm.

Sizing

Most manufacturers have their own sizing charts that you can refer to. You need to find your height range in the sizing chart so you can determine the right size for your body type. After finding your height range, then look at the corresponding weight range. In case your weight is not within that range, go down the weight column until your weight fits the right range.

Should your weight put you in a larger uniform than your height, then your pants will end up too long. It will have to be hemmed up. But if your body weight puts you in a smaller size than your height, then you should opt for the uniform that corresponds to your height. The attire may fit a little loose.

It is not uncommon for uniforms to get some tailoring work. So don’t fret if you can’t get the right size as there’s always a tailor who can help you out.

Wearing a heavy weight karate uniform may give you a psychological boost, as you feel that you are closing in to your goal of a karate black belt. But you should also realize that an expensive uniform does not make you an expert right away. You would still have to go through the traditional route, which is to work hard in class and follow the instructions of your master in order to get your goal of a black belt.

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Are you excited for your first day of martial arts training?

Whether you’re studying karate, kung fu, or any other martial art, the uniform symbolizes your skill. You don’t want to get caught wearing a uniform with a stain. Keeping your uniforms clean and in excellent condition doesn’t need to be a chore.

Most martial arts uniforms are made of cotton or polyester. These often come in three weights—lightweight, middle weight, and heavyweight. Lightweight uniforms are appropriate for first-timers especially children, as these are light enough for the user to move. Middleweight uniforms are slightly thicker, but aren’t durable for advanced students.

Heavyweight uniforms are usually for instructors, and made of 100 percent cotton. These uniforms feel like canvas and need to be washed several times to soften the fabric. But these are durable enough to last for more than 10 years.

So how can you take good care of your uniform? Here are some tips.

Presoak It

Presoaking your uniform can keep your uniform clean. After an intense training session, don’t wash your uniform immediately. Instead, fill a large bucket with warm water then add a capful of heavy duty laundry detergent plus a cup of baking soda. Soak your uniform for at least an hour. If you can, soak it overnight before washing the uniform.

But before you presoak your uniform, you should check if water in your residence is soft or hard. If it is the latter, it will be harder to clean your uniform because hard water has excess minerals that can make detergents less effective in removing soil. If that’s the case you should add water conditioner to your presoak bucket.

Washing

You may be tempted to use chlorine bleach on white uniforms if there’s stain. But don’t use it if you have a polyester or cotton/polyester uniform as it can damage the materials. White polyester fiber has a yellow inner core that can react with chlorine bleach, damaging the material in the process. It can particularly strip away the outer layer of the fiber, permanently making the fabric yellow and dull.

You should also think twice about using chlorine bleach on cotton uniforms. It can weaken the fiber of cotton, causing excess wear in the process. Also, patches and embroidery on a uniform can be destroyed by chlorine bleach.

So what is the best solution to removing stains on your martial arts uniform? Mix oxygen based bleach and cool water. Refer to the package instructions of the bleach on how much bleach you should mix for every gallon of water. Then submerge the uniform on this solution and soak it for a minimum of eight hours.

After that, check the stain and color of the uniform. If the stains have been removed and the color looks whiter and even brighter, then proceed to washing the uniform. If the problem is still there, mix a new solution and do it again. It can take a few soakings more to remove the stains and restore the whiteness of the uniform but stay patient—this solution has been proven effective in removing stains.

When washing the uniform, never wash it with other clothes. This way, you can avoid dye transfer as well as wear and tear from zippers, buttons, and other embellishments.

Once the uniform has been pre-soaked, fill the washer with warm water. Put detergent, but not fabric softener because it can lessen the ability of the uniform to absorb perspiration.

Don’t put hot water as it can cause the uniform to shrink. And when you eventually progress in training and gain a colored belt, don’t wash the belt with your white uniform.

Don’t put your uniform in the dryer as well because high heat can cause it to shrink.
This can also cause the stain to set in. Instead, just let it to hang dry. Sunlight can keep the cotton uniform white because of the bleaching properties of ultraviolet rays.

But what would you do if there are blood stains? To remove blood stains, use cold water instead. Using hot water can only cause blood stains to set in, making it almost impossible to remove.

Presoak the uniform as recommended earlier. If it doesn’t work, inspect the uniform before putting it in the washing machine. Treat the remaining stains with a pre-treater. You can also rub in added detergent.

Ironing

If you have a martial arts uniform made of pure cotton, it will surely wrinkle after air drying. In ironing the uniform, choose the right setting (cotton setting) and use an ironing board. Start with the trousers and then iron the legs so that the creases will be at the side of the legs, and not the front. Then iron the top or jacket as if it was a t-shirt, with its creases running down the outside of the sleeves.

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For many people who are unfamiliar with martial arts, the belt system is one of the few things they may have a vague idea of. You can ask any man in the street and chances are, he’ll tell you that a black belter is the most skilled martial arts practitioners. But ask him about the other belts, and what each color represents, and you may get a puzzled look.

There’s no denying that when it comes to karate, belts are the most familiar to the general public. But what the ordinary Joe should realize is that the martial arts belt hierarchy is more than the white and black belts.

Origins

The colored belt ranking system in the martial arts was conceptualized by Dr. Jigoro Kano, a Japanese who is acknowledged as the founder of modern Juno. He is also credited for other concepts that have provided the foundation of modern martial arts. None of these are as important as the colored belt system that serves as a manifestation of a martial art practitioner’s progress. The first black belts were awarded sometime in the 1880s.

It wasn’t too long that karate adopted this belt ranking system. The founder of modern karate, Gitchin Funakoshi, adopted this system and other philosophical concepts from Dr. Kano, who was a good friend.

In Taekwondo, the belt system was introduced by Byung Jick Ro who is acknowledged as the founder of modern Taekwondo. Coincidentally, Ro was a student of Funakoshi and received his black belt from his teacher in 1939. Ro would then introduce the belt ranking system in Taekwondo in the 1940s.

Urban Legend

Through the years, there have been several urban legends been passed down from generation to generation regarding martial artists and their belts. Perhaps you might have heard the story that martial artists start training with a white belt which would become black after years of being stained with blood, sweat, and dirt.

First of all, there is a standard of cleanliness that is practiced in the martial arts. So any student who arrives with a bloodied uniform will never be allowed to train.

Belt Colors and Their Meaning

The standard belt color system starts with white, then yellow, gold, orange, green, blue. After that, purple is next with brown, red, before the ultimate which is black. Each color represents a certain skill level, how the sparring is handled, and restrictions applied to those who wear belts of higher rank.

Each color signifies a certain level of skill. In addition, it determines how sparring is handled, and what restrictions are applied to those who wear belts of a higher rank.

But you may ask: why would black be the highest level and white, the lowest? In the beginning, the white belt was dyed to a new color as the student progresses. Because of the dying process, it only made sense to use darker colors, hence black being the highest level.

Moreover, the belt system in Korea and Japan became widely practiced after the Second World War. Those countries were poor after the war, so dying new belts to a darker color was not only effective and simple, but also very practical.

The white belt signifies a birth or beginning. As a beginner, the white belt student is being taught the knowledge of the martial art. White also represents the beginning of a life cycle, or a seed that lies beneath the snow in the winter.

Yellow pertains to the first beams of sunlight shining upon the seed. A student who has a yellow belt has been given a ray of knowledge by his instructor. The orange belt, meanwhile, represents the mounting influence of the sun. A student who wears the orange belt is starting to feel his body, and opening his mind to the Art.

Green is representative of the growth of the seed into a new plant. A student who has the green belt is starting to strengthen and refine his skills.

Blue refers to the blue sky, with the plant continuing to grow towards it. A student with the blue belt has additional knowledge of the art that can make his body and mind continue to grow.

The purple belt symbolizes the changing of the sky’s colors, as the student prepares to transition from being a neophyte to an advanced student. Brown belt pertains to the ripening of the seed, as a brown belter is knowledgeable of techniques that are starting to mature.

Red belt symbolizes the heat of the sun, with the plant growing towards it. Red also represents danger, which means that a student who has a red belt should considered dangerous with the amount of knowledge that he has gotten through years of training.

The black belt pertains to darkness beyond the sun. Anyone who wears a black belt has a more profound knowledge of the art. He or she can also begin to teach others so that new seeds will be planted, grown, and matured.

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Well, yes and no.

Yes, since they all have to learn how to execute some basic Karate kicks and punches and some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu choke-holds and joint-locks properly. And no, since technically they have their own officially prescribed system of martial arts. The U.S. Marine Corps has developed its own unique brand of hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat system using and refining different techniques drawn from different martial arts disciplines, including Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Savate, Jujutsu, Karate, Judo, Sambo, Krav Maga, Isshin Ryu or Okinawan Karate, Aikido, Muay Thai, Eskrima, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kickboxing and bayonet fighting. Simply dubbed the “Marine Corps Martial Arts Program” or MCMAP, it was issued in 2002 and it “replaces all other close-combat related systems preceding its introduction.” Thus, as far as Marines are concerned, they only have one official martial arts style and that is the MCMAP style as taught in their combat curriculum.

MCMAP Slogan and Progression Structure

The MCMAP slogan is “One Mind, Any Weapon.” Under the MCMAP curriculum, Marines are taught how to use the different fighting techniques in varying degrees of lethality depending on different situations. An MCMAP practitioner can use an unarmed restraint to force compliance with minimal damage or he can use debilitating or lethal force when really necessary. The techniques themselves include a wide range of punches, kicks, strikes, grappling, choke holds, joint locks, throws and ground fighting techniques that can be used both defensively and offensively as well as with or without a weapon of opportunity. MCMAP training is conducted in a variety of conditions simulating real life-or-death combat situations.

Like other martial arts, the MCMAP uses a system of colored belts to delineate the different levels of proficiency of the students. The beginner’s belt is colored tan, the second level is represented by a gray belt, the third by a green belt, the fourth by a brown belt, and the fifth by a black belt. A black belter MCMAP practitioner has also varying levels of marks of proficiency- from first degree at the start to sixth degree at the highest end. Since 2007, earning a tan belt, in addition to passing the standard physical and mental exams, has been a requirement for admission to the Marine Corps. A Marine who wants to advance to fourth degree in the MCMAP must also hold at least a first degree black belt in Karate, Muay Thai or any other civilian martial arts program that has been approved by the Corps.

Physical Conditioning

Aside from the training on the proper use of the fighting techniques, the MCMAP has a rigorous physical conditioning regimen that includes drills and exercises that require either or both coordinated teamwork and competition. Marines as part of their martial arts training do calisthenics, running with full gear, log carries, and similar endurance and strengthening exercises on land and in water as well as in low-light or dark conditions to simulate combat stress. They also regularly hold practice bouts and matches to hone their individual fighting skills.

Since fitness is essential to the day-to-day effectiveness and combat readiness of the Marine Corps, Marines are regularly evaluated using the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the Body Composition Program (BCP). The PFT is a semi-annual evaluation consisting of three events – pull-ups for male or flexed-arm hang for females, abdominal crunches, and a 3-mile run. The BCP, also conducted on a semi-annual basis, involves comparing a Marine’s weight with the Marine Corps weight allowance chart. For those who meet the standard weight allowance for your height, no further action will be required. For those who did not, they will be measured for body-fat only. If they exceed the body-fat allowance, they will have to reduce until they meet the body fat standards for Marines – which is not to exceed 18-percent for males and not to exceed 26-percent for females.

Mental Discipline and Warrior Ethos

The MCMAP also entails the holding of classroom-type academic discussions regarding fundamental tactics and methods of the past, studies on combative behavior and interpersonal violence, Rules of Engagement and the concept of Force Continuum which deals with when and how much force can be used in response to a given mission. For some who are aiming for higher belt degrees, some courses in formal Professional Military Education (PME) are required, including those which deals with situational awareness, tactical and strategic decision-making, and operational risk management. Character development involves both on-classroom discussion and off-classroom application of the Marine Corps core values, ethics, good citizenship. A Marine should strive to walk the true warrior’s path, much like a samurai’s Bushido or a knight’s Chivalry.

MCMAP and LINE Combatives

The MCMAP evolved from LINE (Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement) Combatives, a more lethal form of close-quarters fighting system that was used by the Marine Corps from 1989 to 1998. LINE Combatives was replaced after it was found inflexible and lacking in techniques that are appropriate for peacekeeping and other similar missions that did not require use of deadly force.

Also a hybrid of several martial arts like MCMAP, the LINE Combatives techniques are designed to specifically cause death to an opponent. The techniques are also designed to be easily executable by a soldier even in full battle gear under extreme physical and mental fatigue and under poor visibility conditions. The LINE Combatives system is presently still in use among advanced martial arts students, military officers and personnel throughout the special operations, by high-risk law enforcement government agencies and by professional private security service contractors.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or BJJ is now one of the most popular martial arts in the world thanks to its eager followers who keep on advocating for the said combat sport. The applicability of BJJ for all ages, gender and motivation is also making it more appealing to many. BJJ is centered on grappling techniques and also widely known for its ground fighting elements. What makes it very ideal for women is that it allows them to learn the techniques NOT to be pinned down to the ground helplessly. But there is more about BJJ that women might love. Read on!

BJJ is a Great Workout

There is no doubt that rolling on the ground and figuring out ways to leverage quickness and weight to overcome your opponent can be exhausting and strains different muscle groups in your body. This makes BJJ a very challenging and sweaty undertaking.

Jiu Jitsu can provide for the ideal mix of cardio and conditioning exercises for women. Called the “gentle” fighting art, the sport is not as rigorous compared to other martial arts and can inflict lesser direct physical pain but it can subject the body to sustained physical exertion.

Jiu-jitsu’s kind of exercise is great for women who are suffering from insomnia. By doing Jiu Jitsu often the body can have the exercise it needs to relax the body and make it more primed for sleeping. It is also important to note that BJJ also helps in flooding the body with endorphins. This enzyme, produced by the pituitary gland is released when the right amount of physical exertion is achieved.

What women get is euphoria. Endorphins are related with better work performance. This makes women sharper, more productive at work and able to overcome stress easier. By doing BJJ women can have the exercise they need, the better sleep they deserve, and the happiness they can squeeze out from their domestic and professional lives.

Jiu-Jitsu Can Help with Abdominal Cramps During Menstrual Periods

Dysmenorrhea is a source of suffering for many women which can go as high as 6 in the pain scale. Half of women suffer from the condition while a few suffer from extreme cases wherein the pain incapacitates them completely. BJJ can provide for the right kind of exercise – not too vigorous yet not too light to ward of the pain from dysmenorrhea. BJJ can effectively reduce estrogen levels in the woman’s blood which is seen to be the cause of dysmenorrhea.

BJJ Can Keep Women Safe

Studies reveal that 1 in 4 women are subjected to physical assault at least once in their lives. This is mainly because of the belief of many people that women are weak and are easily subjected to abuse. BJJ training can give women situational awareness, understand the anatomy of an attack, and acquire some skills to subdue the attacker. In Jiu Jitsu size is not as important as understanding how you can leverage your position to be in control when fighting on the ground. Assault will inevitably lead to the ground and BJJ can help women get used to maneuvering their weight lying down and while being squashed by someone heavier than them. Without Jiu Jitsu training, being pinned to the ground can induce panic but with BJJ training women can actively think of an escape and even overpower their attacker simply because they are used to the stress associated with ground fighting and they also have some basic techniques they can use against the attacker.

BJJ Allows Women to be Part of a Community

Women can enjoy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because of the other people who are also into the sport. They can meet other women who share their passion for this martial art. They can have a group where they can form friendships. This community can help them gain the confidence they need to apply BJJ principles and techniques. This confidence allows them to perform better with the combat sport. Women need this kind of support to embrace Jiu Jitsu best and make it a lifestyle for them, not just something they do once in a while.

Jiu Jitsu Can Teach Women Important Life Lessons

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu even with its gentler qualities compared to other martial arts, is still challenging physically and mentally. Women can learn some key lessons like accepting standing truths such you cannot win it all the time. There will be some rounds where you will be forced to tap out. But this is okay because every failure gives you insights on what not to do next time. BJJ can also reveal their weaknesses and the realization that these weaknesses are meant to be conquered. Jiu Jitsu teaches women to push forward always, defying limitations thus giving women the confidence boost they need not to be pushed around and treated as someone weak and defenseless. This does not mean they are now more aggressive, this just means they now understand better what they are capable of doing.

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Judo is one of the oldest martial arts in the world and it has formed the backbone of many comparable disciplines in Japan. It has also spurred the development of similar arts in the form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Sambo. It is an Olympic sport, a testament of its very important contribution in the world of martial arts. Children can easily learn judo. Although it is a demanding sport and requires a lot of discipline from kids, it can also shape character in young children. This is why parents are inclined to get their kids into it. There is more to judo than just throwing and grappling opponents in the floor. It also teaches a lot of things that is way beyond martial arts. Read on and understand why your kids should be a judoka.

Self Awareness and Judo

Young kids are often far too removed from their own self especially when they are young and this is often the reason why they act the way they do – clumsy at times and inconsiderate of other’s feelings. Judo teaches kids to sync their minds and their bodies. Because the sport is physically stimulating, motivating children to learn the details of judo is not as hard. When they understand how their body and mind work together they also become more self aware and they also begin to be aware of others making them more considerate, kind, and yes, coordinated.

Better Balance and Flexibility

Judo teaches techniques that make it necessary for the kids to be twisted and turned during training. They are also contorted in so many ways that an improved flexibility becomes a natural consequence. While kids are normally accident prone, often finding themselves trapped in tight spaces and tripping over the smallest blunders on the pavement, kids who are into judo are not as exposed to these risks because they have a better sense of balance plus they are more flexible. Parents can effectively reduce the risk of accidents for their children when they get them to a judo program. Kids can naturally assume a balanced posture even when they stumble thanks to Judo training.

Judo Teaches Kids to Concentrate

Judo may look like random wrestling to parents but judo has extensive rules of engagement and there is a method for everything done during a duel so kids have no choice but to concentrate on what they are doing, minding their offense, defense, and their ultimate goal to win without causing injury to their opponent. Judo also teaches a lot of balance techniques, force production and leveraging, and even biomechanics. At any point during a duel with an opponent they have to get into a mode of heightened focus training them to better direct their attention to a specific thing. The ability to focus and concentrate is a common problem among children. Judo can help in this struggle.

Judo is Built Around Respect, Discipline, and Ethical Competition

Judokas are not just known to be persistent and tenacious they are also very ethical when it comes to “fighting” with an opponent. They bow to their opponent and to the referee, a sign of respect to his opponent and submission to the authority of the sport official. The bowing also signifies the willingness of the other to engage his or her opponent. Respect is a huge thing in judo and this is why opponents are not into hurting each other but to get the other to the ground as fast as possible without causing serious injury. This demands a lot of discipline and self control. This is where judo excels among many other martial arts. After each fight it is compulsory to shake the hands of your opponent, a clear manifestation of sportsmanship and ethics.

Judo Teaches Kids to be Bully Proof

Judo can instill in children a healthy level of self confidence. The sport allows them to discover their strengths. They are empowered by understanding the fact that their limitations and weaknesses do not define them. This sense of confidence allows them to resist bullying in an effective way as they do not fight off bullies physically but thru projecting an aura of self-respect bullies are often afraid of. Judo becomes a natural deterrent for bullying. Judo also allows kids to protect themselves but not in a manner that results to physical injury. Judo does not even teach striking or kicking instead it teaches kids to control their opponent by pinning them on the ground or rendering them powerless to hurt them as they also take evasive action.

Judo shapes the character of kids. Judo has been known to solve behavioral problems of children who are rowdy and are known to be rambunctious or misbehaved. Starting kids early on the sport allows them to embrace the values and discipline the sport teaches.

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Karate is one of the most popular words associated with martial arts. In fact it is used in the past as a general term for any form of oriental martial art – taekwondo is karate, judo or aikido is karate, even kung fu is karate. This mixed up is understandable because karate was the very first martial art that broke through popular culture with many famous movies made on its behalf (remember “Karate Kid”?).

Karate is basically a striking martial art originating from Okinawa. It teaches kicking, punching, knee strikes, elbow strikes, even toe strikes and open handed strikes. Thanks to the popularity of karate it does not only teach people a specific combat sport but it is also a source of learning for life in general. Read and understand what karate can offer people when they choose to learn it and make it a lifestyle.

Karate is for Self Defense

This must be the most overused phrase in the world of martial arts but it does not make it less true. In fact this remains to be at the core of learning combat sports and must not be shamefully admitted by people who want to feel safe wherever they go because they are equipped with knowledge how to act and react in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situations.

Self defense is a wide word. It can include having pepper spray in your pocket, or carrying a gun in your purse, or enrolling in a self defense course. While all these can work, it is important to note that these have some serious drawbacks. Self defense tools are good to have but what if you cannot reach for it when attacked? What if your crash course knowledge gets clouded with fear and panic during an attack? Fear can easily leave you paralyzed to apply everything what you have learned in a self defense class.

This is where karate can become a huge advantage in self defense. First it is not necessary for you to bring any tool to defend yourself. You only need both your hands and feet so you will always be ready to counter any attack. Secondly, karate is not a crash course of sorts. It is an ideally lifelong pursuit of combat sport training and knowledge. It teaches you defense principles, correct posture, discipline, and the mental control and awareness that will allow you to react by instinct.

Fear and confidence issues of whether you can fight or not are not applicable in karate. Karate gives you the skills to fight AND also give you the confidence to apply the techniques when you need to. Karate will also help you to be aware of your surroundings at all times allowing you to avert dangerous situations. All these contribute to you defending yourself and your loved ones effectively.

Karate is for Fitness

There is no doubt that karate can improve your overall fitness. Karate on its own cannot be classified as an aerobic exercise because it can never get your heartbeat up to 80% capacity for at least 20 minutes but the warm up exercises of karate can be considered aerobic even the sparring sessions. The great thing about karate as a fitness tool is its ability to work our every muscle in your body. This allows you to focus your attention to all your muscle groups.

The value of karate for one’s fitness is significant because its training is innately intense. It exercises the whole body and greatly improves your stamina, flexibility, strength, and even speed. Karate however demands time and dedication from you. It requires massive amount of discipline. The good thing about it is that it rewards your hard work very well. If you are motivated to train longer and harder, you also get to burn more calories and at the same time increase your skill level significantly. There will be differences on how much you can improve your fitness level but one thing is for sure, karate can lead you towards a healthier you.

Karate can Instill Confidence

People who have confidence issues are often the ones who are not sure of their limitations and those who doubts if they have it in them the capacity to overcome their limitations. In karate training, personal limitations are one of the first things that are addressed. Karate exposes limitations yet provides for the drive to address these limits. A person who is able to conquer his fears and doubts in life will surely have a heightened sense of self worth. This new found confidence does not breed superiority but humility. This confidence is hard earned and so it does not balloon up an ego. It is quiet confidence that will not only make a person a better karateka but also a better, stronger person.

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When it comes to martial arts training, you might often think about improving your core strength. You may even be more concerned in improving your cardiovascular endurance, so you can last longer during training. But have you ever thought of enhancing your grip strength?

Grip strength is an often overlooked facet of martial arts training. Martial arts practitioners usually train to improve their cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength, but not always to boost their grip strength.

But do you realize how much force you need from your wrists to be able to pull off techniques in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu? Grip strength can also enhance your punching power, and prevent wrist injuries when striking with your hands.

That said, here are some of the basic grip strength exercises that you may want to incorporate in your exercise regimen:

1. Dumbbell Rows with Towel

Before starting this exercise, place a towel around a dumbbell. Then put one of your knees on the bench, while your other foot is on the floor. Bend over to keep your back parallel with the ground.

Reach down and clutch the towel that is wrapped around the dumbbell. Your arm should be extended so that you can reach for the towel, while you keep your other arm locked in placed on the bench.

With your palms facing in, start to lift the towel and the dumbbell to your side. Avoid moving the rest of your body. Lower the towel and dumbbell slowly and repeat. Do six to eight repetitions of three to four sets.

2. Farmer’s Walk

This is another exercise that should be able to improve your grip strength. It can be tough to pull off at first, especially if you use a very heavy weight. As such, it is advised that you start with a low weight until you get used to this exercise.

To do this exercise, take two dumbbells. Grasp them both at your sides, just between the forefinger and dumb. Avoid bending, keeping your back straight all the time. Start to walk while holding the weights.

Three sets of this exercise while holding the dumbbells for at least 20 seconds should be enough. Of course, it is ideal that you do it longer (more than 90 minutes) if you’re using a low weight.

3. Fingertip Push Ups

This is a variation of the typical push up designed to improve grip strength. To perform this exercise, place your fingertips on a push up position. Then do a push up. So instead of having your hands on the floor holding up your body, you’re basically relying on your finger tips to support your entire body weight. Do three to four sets of this exercise.

4. Grippers

Obviously, you need a gripper for this exercise. Grippers aren’t really expensive; you can get one from your local sports equipment store for $10 to $20.

Once you have a gripper, slowly close it in a controlled manner. Hold it for about three to five seconds before opening it slowly. Repeat this as many times possible.

5. Reverse Curls

This not only strengthens your grips, but also works out your forearms. To do this exercise, get a curling bar with an overhand grip. You palms should be facing in toward your body, and your arms must be at around shoulder width.

Stand up straight, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Slowly curl up the barbell towards your chest in a steady, controlled manner. While you do this, keep your elbows and arms in place as there’s a chance your elbows would flail out.

Once your hands hit your chest, squeeze your biceps before slowly lowering the barbell. Do this anywhere from 10 to 15 repetitions for at least three sets.

6. Hex Dumbbell Holds

Hex dumbbells are fixtures in most gyms. To do this exercise, simply grab two hex dumbbells at their ends and hold them for as long as possible. Rest for a minute, then repeat. Pick a weight that you can hold for 30 seconds or more.

7. Plate Pinch

Put together a couple of Olympic weights, with the smooth side out and squeeze them together using your fingers. Hold on for as long as you can.

You can start with 10 pound plates. Try if you have enough power and grip strength to hold four 10 pound plates in each hand. After taking a one minute rest, repeat this exercise for a total of three to four repetitions.

But you may ask—how frequent should you do this exercises? Ideally, you should have grip strength training every other day. The forearms are not considered a major muscle group, so they should be able to recover from a workout after 48 hours. You should also rotate the exercises to keep things fresh, and enable you to go all-out on these workouts. You can also do these exercises towards the end of your workout.

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Are you contemplating on studying a martial art? As you may know by now, there are different martial arts that you can get into, like karate, judo, and taekwondo. But how do you choose a martial arts school?

Enrolling in a martial arts school is akin to buying a second hand car. You would not know what you’re getting into until you’re actually in the class training with a martial arts instructor. Since fees in these institutions aren’t exactly cheap, you’d like to take your time in looking for a school where you can learn the basics of karate, taekwondo or any other martial art.

You must also bear in mind that martial arts schools in most countries aren’t regulated by a government agency or commission, and there are no consumer groups that can aid in ensuring the quality of instruction. This fact only underlines the need for you to be more discerning in choosing a martial arts school.

Here are some things you should look for in a martial arts institution:

1. Proximity

You’d like to enroll in a school that is close to your residence or place of work. This would make it easier for you to go to class. Can you imagine how inconvenient it would be for you if the school you enrolled with is more than 30 miles away from where you work or live?

So list down all the martial arts schools that are within an acceptable travel distance for you, as well as your preferred style. Then set up an appointment so you can watch their classes. If the school offers an introductory class free of charge, then take it.

2. Equipment/Facility

When you arrive at the school, take time to inspect the equipment and amenities it offers. Some large schools have weight training equipment, showers, and lockers. Others don’t offer these amenities. Of course, it is likely that those which have complete amenities charge higher fees, but it is up to you to decide which of these amenities are important and necessary for your training.

3. Class Size and Schedule

Most neophytes would rather be part of a large training group instead of a small class. It’s understandable if you feel the same, because you may have some insecurities being a novice. However, it would be better if you join a small class as you will get more individual attention from the instructor. This way, you can learn the moves and techniques faster.

You must also check the time of day the classes are offered, as well as the duration. Some schools have hour-long classes, while others have 90 minute classes. Determine the length of class that you are most comfortable with, taking into consideration your commitments at work, school, and home.

4. Class and Age Group

Inquire whether or not the classes are separated by age or belt level. You may want to join a class where the participants are of the same age as you. There’s a good chance that joining a class of younger participants may backfire in the long run, as the younger ones would be able to execute techniques better than you can and this may shatter your confidence. Moreover, the difference in maturity levels could also prove distracting not only to you but also to them.

5. Quality of Instruction

One misconception that neophyte martial arts practitioners have is that enrolling in a class which is handed by a well-known martial arts guru is the way to go. They believe that they’ll get schooled by the said individual. However, in reality, it is usually an assistant or high-ranking student of the martial arts master who handles the classes.

Before signing on the dotted line, you should ascertain who will be doing the instruction. Ask how frequent the master instructor will attend the classes, and the extent of his participation.

That’s not to say these individuals are not fully qualified to teach, but you should ascertain ahead of time on who will be doing the instruction, and how the master instructor will be to help you during the course of your learning.

You must also talk to the instructor before committing with the school. Is he receptive to your queries? If he isn’t, then you might as well look for another school or class. Does his answers sound rehearsed? That may be a warning sign as well as he may just be eager to sign you up so he can get more money at the end of the day.

These are just five of the factors that you should look for in a martial arts school. Of course, there are other things that can come into play like the fees. Make sure that you consider all these dynamics well before you commit to a martial arts institution.

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