What Do Young People Gain From Practicing Martial Arts?

Empowering Young People: The Benefits of Martial Arts Training"

In an era where physical activity competes with digital distractions, the ancient discipline of martial arts, including disciplines like Judo, continues to offer invaluable benefits to young practitioners. Beyond mere self-defence skills, martial arts training instils discipline, cultivates confidence, and fosters resilience in today's youth. This exploration delves into the multifaceted advantages that young people gain from immersing themselves in the world of martial arts, shedding light on how this age-old practice, including Judo, shapes their character, hones their focus, and equips them with essential life skills for the challenges ahead.

The following is a guest post about the benefits of Martial Arts training from the perspective of Wushu but the principles apply very well to all martial arts.

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When young people start practising martial arts, through the culture of martial arts, their essence, energy and spirit are obviously different from their peers. What does martial arts training teach them? What good habits do they develop? And what role do these good habits play in their future growth?

We all have a feeling that soldiers who have participated in the army can be recognized at once even if they wear ordinary clothes on the road after retirement, that is because of the strong habits developed during military service as well as their own unique aura emanating from the soldiers, and the same is true for those who practice martial arts, which is often not the same as other children as soon as they take a look at them with a wide-eyed look

In fact, these first feelings of "difference" are real. Wushu brings students different challenges from the very beginning of their rigorous training. Without rules, there is a strict standard of movement and quality requirements for wushu training, so they must eliminate the "get by" mentality, "plausible" can not be, and "paralysis" is not allowed. "Paralysis and carelessness" can not exist, the only serious step-by-step training will make progress, and slowly will let them develop good habits of self-discipline.

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Practicing martial arts is a long-term process

It is not a quick fix to become a master immediately through a few days of training, but through progressive training, students can clearly feel that they are on their way to success! All Wushu instructors have grown up step by step from the time they were students, they know exactly what the students want, and the arrangement of the syllabus guarantees that the students will not lose interest while they continue to progress, so that if they persist for a long period, the progress time and time again will gradually make the children more and more self-confident and stronger in their hearts.

Wushu training is hard, students in the process of training progress, of course, will also encounter a variety of setbacks and difficulties, fortunately they have a group of mutually helpful brothers and sisters, as well as a sincere and kindly instructor, when encountering frustration and difficulties, from the encouragement of the partners, from the instructor of the teaching, as well as their own unremitting efforts, and ultimately succeeded in conquering one of the formidable difficulties, and then look back, the past hardships have been transformed into their own growth on the way to the combustion agent!

The practice of martial arts is not only so that students are strong and healthy, but more importantly, to develop their self-discipline, self-improvement, never give in to the spirit of physical exercise at the same time, sharpen the unyielding will, these valuable qualities, on the one hand, let them in the practice of martial arts on the road higher and higher, and on the other hand, also let them in the future work and life to deal with all kinds of storms and waves and will not be at a loss, I wish these young people practising martial arts to grow up in a healthy way, learn to be successful!

Shi Yanhao Founder of Taizu Shaolin Temple Kung Fu School. 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk, & 6th generation of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor; Awarded by the Chinese Martial Arts Federation as the inheritor of Chinese martial arts; National level six martial arts, one of the top 100 Chinese martial arts masters.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard

Old Jujutsu striking in modern MMA

Reviving Ancient Strikes: Unveiling Old Jiu-Jitsu Techniques in Modern MMA

In the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA), fighters are constantly exploring and integrating various martial arts disciplines to gain a competitive edge. While the spotlight often shines on the dynamic kicks of Muay Thai or the precise strikes of kickboxing, there is a resurgence of interest in the ancient striking techniques found in Old Jiu Jitsu.

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The essence of Old Jiu Jitsu's striking techniques, often overshadowed by its renowned grappling moves, is making a notable comeback. In a recent MMA bout, Trevor Peek showcased the effectiveness of these forgotten strikes, highlighting their relevance in the contemporary fighting arena.

The Resurgence of Forgotten Strikes in MMA

One such striking technique demonstrated by Peek is reminiscent of a downward strike resembling a hammer fist. Typically associated with "ground and pound," this technique took a surprising turn when executed in a standing position. Observers familiar with Jiu Jitsu Kata, specifically the Kodokan production of "Nage No Kata," might recognize this as a form of striking found in the "Tento." In the context of the kata, this strike is executed just before a shoulder throw, emphasizing its earnest intentions and forward momentum – a technique that Trevor Peek seamlessly integrated into his stand-up game.

The second striking technique Peek employed was a hammer fist directed towards the temple, a move that proved instrumental in concluding the fight. This particular strike has deep roots in Old Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting a historical approach where fights were often fought to the death, especially during the Edo period. The efficiency of these strikes lies in their purpose – to deliver a single devastating blow and swiftly end the encounter, a philosophy starkly different from the strategic and calculated approach often seen in modern MMA.

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Analyzing Old Jiu-Jitsu Strikes in Trevor Peek's Impressive Victory

The video analysis brings attention to the fact that these ancient strikes, though seemingly forgotten, remain potent and effective when executed with precision. The strikes are not only part of Jiu Jitsu's historical legacy but are also found in Judo Kata, highlighting their versatility across various traditional martial arts.

While contemporary MMA often focuses on cutting-edge techniques, the resurgence of these old Jiu-Jitsu strikes raises intriguing questions about the evolution of fighting styles. It is a testament to the adage that with the right frequency and resistance, any technique can find success in the competitive arena.

It's worth noting that Trevor Peek's successful integration of these old Jiu-Jitsu strikes echoes the sentiment that martial arts techniques persist not because they are outdated or ineffective but rather because fighters shift their focus to different aspects of training. The eclectic nature of MMA allows for the exploration and resurrection of forgotten techniques, adding depth and diversity to the sport.

The captivating display of ancient striking techniques by Trevor Peek serves as a reminder that the rich tapestry of martial arts holds treasures waiting to be rediscovered. As MMA continues to evolve, we may witness a renaissance of these old Jiu-Jitsu strikes, contributing to the ever-expanding repertoire of techniques employed by fighters worldwide.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard

A Lot of Leg Sweeps - Defending Against & Overcoming Kicks

A Lot of Leg Sweeps - Defending Against & Overcoming Kicks

I found this video and thought it was a lot of fun. Whilst some of the defences against the kicks presented may not be a viable proposition in a real fight, I think that it does show that those who treat kicking as the ultimate self-defence should be at least a little wary.

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When I teach my Judo as self-defence classes one of the things that I emphasise is that there are only two ways to defeat a kick is:

1. Move right out of the way of the kick


2. Move right inside the kick

Move Right Out of The Way Of The Kick

I really don't think this requires a lot of explaination. The most concise description of the will, I think, always be "Best Block, No be there (Mr Miagi from Karate Kid - original can't remember if it was from I or II). You can't get hit or kicked if you are nowhere near the kick.

Move Right In Side The Kick

This is what the whole of this video is dedicated to.

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Even if you don't agree as to the practicality of all of the responses to these kicks in this video, I think you will get a lot of pleasure watching and maybe even trying some of them. I know I plan on trying some in class.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard

Atemi Wasa: Valuing Kicks and Punches, Strikes and Blows

Atemi Wasa

I have had parents come to me passing messages that one or two of my students had gone over to Jujitsu. They say that the other parents think that they learn better self-defence from learning kicking and punching. My initial comment is: "I am sorry to lose them as students but I have nothing against well-taught Jujitsu". After all, Judo is Jujitsu with some features that distinguish it and I often have a lot of respect for the teacher that they go to. I have a very good relationship with him.

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However, the idea that really concerns me, something that I passionately repudiate, is the idea that children learn better self-defence from learning kicking and punching.

Atmi wasa or Striking practice is well established as a form of self-defence but it has some serious shortcomings particularly when it comes to children. I am referring to children as being under 10 and any child older than that who is not large in stature:

1. A strike or a kick has to be well placed in order to be effective.

   
   

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   The physical development of a child works against even the most well-placed strike or kick being anything but a distraction. That is not to say that a well-placed kick or strike won't hurt, but something that hurts is not necessarily disabling. Now I will be the first to admit that a good distraction is an excellent self-defence tool but only if its part of an overall strategy. Running for instance.

   I teach significantly more than this in my classes because running also has to have the correct context to be effective but in the right context running is a good start.

2. A strike or kick has the potential to do greater harm than good harm in the wrong context.

   The place where a child is going to have the most effect with a kick or a punch is against their own peers. Do we really want our children using kicks and punches in the school ground?

   You have no doubt realized by now that I have a very minimalist approach to Atmi wasa. I sometimes teach a Kata (form practice) that has kicking and punching in it but it is designed as a warm-up exercise not a form of defence (Tandoku Renshu).

   I do however teach about the uses of Atmi to my students and I have a saying " If you are going to hurt someone you'd better make sure it is worth it. Because whether you are right or wrong you are going to get into trouble".

   I have, in another article on, outlined a number of what I think are better ways that can be used to help a child who is being bullied in school. They just require the parents and the school to have the will to do something about it.

   Beyond that, if there is no other way to deal with bullying or threat situation I teach my students a number of highly effective skills that are age-appropriate that try to avoid striking of any kind.

3. If you strike someone and you don't disable them, they are more often than not, likely to come back at you with even greater violence.

   This is a fact that many of the striking martial arts choose not to discuss. The reality is that violence may not be avoidable but it always begets violence.

   The only time when this is not true is when the threat of the consequences is so great that fear itself is the deterrent. Even then some people are so controlled by fear that they respond to a treat irrationally and to their own detriment and the only way to stop them is to disable them to the point where they have no ability to act any more.

   In our context consider the child that has kicked their way out of a situation against a much stronger attacker. What do you think the reaction of the attacker is going to be? Let me tell you that it is not often going to be to run away.

   Anger, pain and the loss of face are great motivators and the psychology of a bully is much more complex than people think. Only some bullies will run away if they are stood up to.

4. The effect of a kick or a strike on an adult is minimal

   Consider the prospect of a child coming up against an adult. It's is obvious that the effect of a kick and a punch is going to be minimal.

   Sometimes I teach demonstration self-defence classes and as part of the demonstration I invite a child up to hit me as hard are they can. Even the children that have been smart enough to hit me in my testicles have had little effect. Because they are just not strong enough or fast enough. How much effect will they have on an adult who wants to hurt them?

   I will admit that a child that has been taught to hit properly will have more effect but not that much.
   
   and finally:

5. Faulty kicking style

   The fact is Kata is what is taught in many of the kicking and punching styles of martial arts and it is very useful as a teaching tool. Useful to help instil form and automatic movement. But it is also very good at programing faults into someone's technique if not watched very carefully. Faults that can be extremely difficult to teach out.

   Now all students of any kind will pick up faults but consider the prospect of a faulty placed kick. Forget about the fact that schools are not always just places to be. That is nothing compared to the trouble a child will get into if someone ends up with a broken arm or leg or even skull. The legal aspect of kicking and punching are enormous.

Conclusion

In my view, there is only one value in teaching children to kick and punch and that is so they will be better in this form of Martial Art when they get older. This cannot be underestimated.

Properly taught Atemi Wasa Kata is of great benefit to an older student that has been taught young. But we must get out of this attitude that teaching a child to kick and punch will help them to defend themselves.

In most cases, it just won't!

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard