Aerobics, the gym, jogging…all very well and good, but sometimes we need a little extra motivation to keep working out. If that’s the case for you, why not try martial arts? This sport can tone you in record time, and make you feel stronger and more confident. Check out our guide to finding the right martial art form for you, and you’ll be feeling like the Karate Kid in no time!
*Judo
For this, you’ll need the white outfit (mistakenly known as a kimono), and your belt (white, for beginners). You’ll learn the moves barefoot on a tatami mat (great way to show off your latest pedicure, even in January!). While you learn flipping techniques, remember the words from the “moral code” of this martial art that dates back to the 19th century: Politeness, Respect, Honour, Self-Control. These are commandments that you can apply to other spheres of your life, too. Not to mention that the falling techniques you’ll learn will give you strength, suppleness and self-confidence.
For this, you’ll need the white outfit (mistakenly known as a kimono), and your belt (white, for beginners). You’ll learn the moves barefoot on a tatami mat (great way to show off your latest pedicure, even in January!). While you learn flipping techniques, remember the words from the “moral code” of this martial art that dates back to the 19th century: Politeness, Respect, Honour, Self-Control. These are commandments that you can apply to other spheres of your life, too. Not to mention that the falling techniques you’ll learn will give you strength, suppleness and self-confidence.
*Karate
Karate kids everywhere, unite and sign up for a karate course to develop superhuman endurance! This martial art focuses on your hands and fingers, your feet, shins, and shoulders… great motivation to work those muscles we too often forget in traditional workouts. There are three techniques for learning karate: kihon, where movements are repeated alone or in a team, kata, a series of movements that are repeated until they become second-nature to your body, and kumite, a combat technique. Don’t fear, you can practice in planned or choreographed combat, with no risk of injury.
Karate kids everywhere, unite and sign up for a karate course to develop superhuman endurance! This martial art focuses on your hands and fingers, your feet, shins, and shoulders… great motivation to work those muscles we too often forget in traditional workouts. There are three techniques for learning karate: kihon, where movements are repeated alone or in a team, kata, a series of movements that are repeated until they become second-nature to your body, and kumite, a combat technique. Don’t fear, you can practice in planned or choreographed combat, with no risk of injury.
*Capoeira
This discipline has Brazilian and African origins; a happy mix between dance and martial arts, plus it can give you legs of steel. If you’re looking for toned calves and thighs, then look no further. Combat is choreographed, but it’s way more than just a staged battle. Capoeira is often accompanied by singing and percussion, and adepts frequently put on shows: perfect for those with an artistic flair, who are also looking for an efficient workout.
This discipline has Brazilian and African origins; a happy mix between dance and martial arts, plus it can give you legs of steel. If you’re looking for toned calves and thighs, then look no further. Combat is choreographed, but it’s way more than just a staged battle. Capoeira is often accompanied by singing and percussion, and adepts frequently put on shows: perfect for those with an artistic flair, who are also looking for an efficient workout.
*Taekwondo
A martial art originally from South Korea, taekwondo suits perfectionists, because it develops rigour, spirituality, and the physique of an athlete. It can also be practiced in free-form combat (semi-contact, with carefully observed strikes), so there is no risk of injury. It also features the famous “break test”: the backhand smashing of wooden planks, which must be passed to earn a black belt.
A martial art originally from South Korea, taekwondo suits perfectionists, because it develops rigour, spirituality, and the physique of an athlete. It can also be practiced in free-form combat (semi-contact, with carefully observed strikes), so there is no risk of injury. It also features the famous “break test”: the backhand smashing of wooden planks, which must be passed to earn a black belt.
*Self-defence
Self-defence is learned, not to cripple you with fear of what lies on the next street corner, but to give you the confidence to go out into the world, knowing you have the tools to look after yourself. You can find free classes at your local municipal centre. Self-defence classes can teach you the method for delivering punches and kicks, plus how to get yourself safely out of any threatening situation.
*Jujitsu
In Japanese this means “gentle art” or “technique of suppleness”. No worries about injuries here! You begin by learning the fives basics of the discipline—attitude and posture, keeping the correct distance, holds and moves, equilibrium and tumbles, action and reaction—all with the goal of perfecting combat techniques. A great way to initiate yourself to the techniques of martial arts, or to start working out again after a rest period.
In Japanese this means “gentle art” or “technique of suppleness”. No worries about injuries here! You begin by learning the fives basics of the discipline—attitude and posture, keeping the correct distance, holds and moves, equilibrium and tumbles, action and reaction—all with the goal of perfecting combat techniques. A great way to initiate yourself to the techniques of martial arts, or to start working out again after a rest period.
*Tai Chi
The body-spirit connection is crucial for tai chi. Slowness and precision are the key words: just what you need in your fast-paced life! It’s been said that tai chi can improve sleep and reduce the symptoms of arthritis, lower the risk of developing osteoporosis, while working your cardiovascular system and toning your muscles. All this, plus it’s good for your spirit—so what are you waiting for?
The body-spirit connection is crucial for tai chi. Slowness and precision are the key words: just what you need in your fast-paced life! It’s been said that tai chi can improve sleep and reduce the symptoms of arthritis, lower the risk of developing osteoporosis, while working your cardiovascular system and toning your muscles. All this, plus it’s good for your spirit—so what are you waiting for?
*Kung Fu
Also known as Chinese boxing. Many of its movements were borrowed from karate, and also from a therapeutic form of Chinese gymnastics, leading to a complete exercise, for the heart and muscles. Combat can be practiced in pairs or in groups, under the careful supervision of a teacher, to ensure no injuries. Ideal for competitive types!
Also known as Chinese boxing. Many of its movements were borrowed from karate, and also from a therapeutic form of Chinese gymnastics, leading to a complete exercise, for the heart and muscles. Combat can be practiced in pairs or in groups, under the careful supervision of a teacher, to ensure no injuries. Ideal for competitive types!
*Kick boxing
If you need to kick that negative energy to the curb, then try kick boxing! This workout based on kicks and punches was developing in 1950s Japan, coming to the United States 10 years later. Kick boxing will give you unparalleled strength and endurance, not to mention cardiovascular stamina, plus you can kick and punch your stress away without hurting yourself—or anyone else!
*Aikido
Aikido is a pacifist martial art, designed to neutralize the force and aggression of a partner, and not for the purpose of fighting, as in many other marital arts. With bare hands, students use the techniques of self-defence to block the blows of an opponent, working the muscles gently, without violence. This sport is never practiced in competition, so it suits non-competitive types.
Aikido is a pacifist martial art, designed to neutralize the force and aggression of a partner, and not for the purpose of fighting, as in many other marital arts. With bare hands, students use the techniques of self-defence to block the blows of an opponent, working the muscles gently, without violence. This sport is never practiced in competition, so it suits non-competitive types.
