The Benefits of Martial Arts
Article courtesy of | Dr. Steven Powell
What exactly is a martial art?
The most popular martial arts systems right now are those of Taekwondo and Karate. Taekwondo is a Korean system initially brought to the United States in the 1950s by Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, considered the father of American Taekwondo. Literally meaning ‘the way of the hand and foot’, Korean styles emphasize high kicks backed up by hand techniques. Karate, meaning ’empty hand’, represents Japanese styles that use strong hand techniques executed from a low center of gravity and followed up by straight-line kicks. The Japanese styles were among the first to make their way to the United States after World War II, so “karate” will be used here to represent the various systems of Chinese kung fu, taekwondo, and karate.
Karate is a lifetime sport. Participants can establish their own levels of activity at any age and physical condition as they learn to practice the different parts of each martial art. The Taekwondo Poomsae and Karate’s Katas are a set pattern of movements which signify a fight between the performer and an imaginary opponent. These patterns are helpful in developing the correct technique for kicks, punches, and blocks, and are often used in competitions and performances. Sparring is the practice of techniques in a mock fight. Sparring helps students learn how to use techniques against an opponent. That opponent is also trying to land hits, and if at a competition, score a point or points to win the match.
Actual self-defense against an attacker is difficult if you do not practice against various types of attacks and attackers. In order to be successful against an actual opponent, students should practice responses until they become redundant. That is, a defense should be automatically performed without having to think about what the response should be.
Why get involved?
Many people believe that you take martial arts purely to learn how to fight. In reality, you learn how to avoid fighting by learning confidence, awareness, and control. Considering the growing fear of violent incidents occurring, learning a form of self-defense can improve self-defense skills, self-concept, self-discipline, and a positive self-image.
In the Jhoon Rhee system of Taekwondo, children are required to have above-average academic and conduct grades in school. This requires the students to develop positive progress in the three domains of learning: the Affective, Psychomotor, and the Cognitive domains. The Affective domain relates to the attitudes developed by the student. The Psychomotor domain is the development of a skill-like balance, coordination, strength, or speed. The Cognitive domain relates to the knowledge gained due to this activity. With the encouragement in academics and the knowledge gained from the martial art, children can learn to excel in life, not just in school.
Martial Arts Studios in the Brazos Valley
Involving your child in a martial art may be just what they need to build confidence and leadership skills. To help you make your decision, we have put together a list of martial arts schools in the Brazos Valley. If your school is not listed here, contact us at magazine@bryanbroadcasting.com to get added to the list.
Infinity Taekwondo
Traditional and Olympic Taekwondo
infinity-tkd.com
12815 FM 2154, #110
College Station, TX 77845
979.704.6959
APEX Martial Arts
Olympic Taekwondo, Self Defense,
Cardio Kickboxing
4242 Koppe Bridge Rd. #520
College Station, TX 77845
979.571.6947
BVMMA and Fitness
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing,
Fitness
bvfit.com
1500 Harvey Rd.
College Station, TX 77840
979.353.1138
9 Round
Kickboxing
9round.com
2216 Texas Ave. S
College Station, TX 77840
979.696.2150
Academy of Modern Martial
Arts
Taekwondo, Judo, Modern Arnis,
Fitkick
ammacs.com
2501 Texas Ave. S. Suite A104
College Station, TX 77840
979.695.7150
Master Pak’s ATA
Martial Arts
Krav Maga, Kali, Taekwondo
paksma.com
4589 Elmo Weedon Rd.
College Station, TX 77845
979.255.2228
Kinetic Grappling
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
kineticgrappling.com
12700 SH 30
College Station, TX 77845
979.217.1817
Daisy’s Dojo
Karate
3609 S. College, Unit A
Bryan, TX 77801
979.450.6022
Palmisano’s Martial Arts
Taekwondo
atapma.com
6708 Victoria Ave.
College Station, TX 77845
979.777.5574
University of Sidekicks
Self Defense, Modern Arnis, Krav
Maga, Jiu Jitsu
universityofsidekicks.com
12845 FM 2154 #120
College Station, TX 77845
979.661.1560
Huntsville Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
huntsvillejiujitsu.com
3529 Montgomery Rd.
Huntsville, TX
936.293.6427
BCS Karate School
Karate
bcskarate.com
506 E. 28th St.
Bryan, TX 77803
Powersports
A blend of Taekwondo, Aikido,
JeetKun Do, Jiu Jitsu, and Self
Defense
powersportskids.com
10810 State Highway 30
College Station, TX 77845
979.776.0018
Gforce Martial Arts
Karate
1520 Cavitt Ave.
Bryan, TX 77801
979.436.3744
Ata Haislips
Taekwondo USA
Taekwondo
900 Harvey Rd. #9B
College Station, TX 77840
979.696.5425
Karate for Children
Karate
700 University Dr. E #110C
College Station, TX 77840
979.696.4000
Montoya’s Shorin Kempo
Karate, Kobujitsu, Chinese Kempo,
Escrima
2603 Rountree Dr. #101
Bryan, TX 77801
979.823.0278
Eclipse Taekwondo
Taekwondo, Jiu jitsu
utkdbrenham.com
306 S Market St.
Brenham, TX 77833
979.830.0007