Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Capoeira

"Capoeira is an energetic, often acrobatic, dance-like style of martial art. Capoeira was first practiced by African slaves who were taken to work in Brazil. Capoeira is primarily based around kicking, as a slave’s hands were normally manacled.

CapoeiraIn Capoeira, many movements are carried out while in a handstand position, often resembling modern Breakdance moves.

There are a variety of forms of Capoeira, including where two people “play” fight each other inside a circle formed by spectators, while other members of the group play instruments and sing. The music dictates the speed or tempo of the movements.

Origin: Brazil" -"Martial Arts Info - Capoeira." Martial Arts Information - Martial-Arts-Info.com. Martial Arts Info. Web. 18 Jan. 2011. .

See! Once again, not all martial arts come from Asia. It's actually pretty cool to visualize this fighting style in action. I'll fill this post up with a bunch of pictures too, cause you guys gotta see it!

http://www.steadyhealth.com/23630/Image/capoeira14.jpg
http://www.martialartsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Capoeira.jpg
http://www.miamicapoeira.com/images/Capoeira1.jpg
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071002/life/images/Layout1_1_PNPY7CapoeiraAM.jpg
http://www.spiritproductions.com.au/Uploads/Images/capoeira.jpg

Fancy, right?
Look it up on YouTube. It's way cooler to watch in motion.

Boxing (A.K.A. Western Boxing)

"Boxing is in principle a sport, more than a martial art. In both amateur boxing and professional boxing, the bouts are heavily regulated.

When it comes to punching technique and power, there are few martial arts that are as focused on fist strikes as is boxing, which makes boxers formidable opponents in mixed martial arts competitions (or on the street, for that matter).

Boxing is carried out in a series of rounds. Both boxers wear heavy gloves that protect their hands and their opponent from injury. Handwraps are used to stabilize the bones in the hand, allowing the boxers to throw very hard punches that otherwise wouldn’t be possible using bare closed-fist techniques.

Striking techniques of boxing

The jab. Executed with the leading arm, the jab is the most effective strike in boxing. It is a quick action, where the arm is quickly retracted after punching, and relies more on speed and reach than on power.

The cross. The most powerful strike, where using the body weight and body rotation, the rear fist is brought straight forward.

The hook. Typically performed with the lead hand, the hook is a small semi circular strike to circumvent the guard of the opponent. Most often targeted at the head, it can also be used for body strikes.

The uppercut. A strike famous in boxing. The fist is thrust upwards, often sliding through the opponents guard, typically aimed at connecting with the chin of the opponent.

History of boxing

Although the history of boxing (or rather, fist fighting) can be traced back to 1000s or years A.D., in modern times boxing became infamous in England, in the 18th century, where bare-knuckled prize fighting was popular.

Proponents of the art

In the United States of the 20th, there were many outstanding fighters that shaped how boxing was perceived. In the 1920s, Jack Dempsey became almost a folk hero for the American public, and was the first boxer to come to world fame, and to introduce boxing to a worldwide audience.

The heavy weight champions Muhammed Ali and later on Mike Tyson kept boxing in the headlines." -"Martial Arts Info - Boxing." Martial Arts Information - Martial-Arts-Info.com. Martial Arts Info. Web. 18 Jan. 2011. .


Ah, MartialArtsInfo.com. How would I ever explain anything without you. haha

As you can see, not all Martial Arts are from Asian country's, let alone some super secret underground art, that people can only learn by climbing the tallest mountain in Asia to be taught by some old hermit master. ...People watch movies to much.

I'm pretty sure most of you already know what the hell Boxing is, so there's not much to explain. Have some pictures.

http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boxing-punch.jpg

http://www.giftfinder.ie/product_images/c/boxing_grannies__48967.jpg




Aikido

"Aikido is considered to be a non-aggressive style, as the Aikido student does not instigate the attack. The basic principle of Aikido is “Do not fight force with force”. Aikido uses very few punches and kicks. Instead, the attackers force is redirected into throws, locks and restraining techniques. Size, weight, age and physical strength differences of the opponents play only a small role, as the skilled Aikido practitioner is able to redirect the attackers energy, keeping his attacker in a constant of unbalance.

AikidoTo be effective, Aikido takes longer to learn than most other martial arts. Aikido can be practiced to a late age because this martial art does not rely on flexibility, muscle speed, or strength. Thus it has become especially popular with women and senior citizens.

Aikido training teaches the use of several martial arts weapons such as Tento, Jo and Bokken

. There is also a sport style of Aikido named Tomiki Aikdo.

Origin of Aikido: Japan

Founder of Aikido: Morihei Ueshiba 1883-1969

Popularised by: Movie star Steven Seagal, the first Western person to open an Aikido school in Japan." -"Martial Arts Info - Aikido." Martial Arts Information - Martial-Arts-Info.com. Martial Arts Info. Web. 18 Jan. 2011. .


The basic summary's all there. Aikido is simply a survival Martial Art, more toward overbearing your opponant, and getting away.


I'll Post pictures of the weapon here.

Tentohttp://www.lyon-karate.com/p/tento.jpg

Johttp://www.fudoshinmartialarts.net.au/_Media/w_class1.jpg

Bokken
Bokken.jpg Bokken image by kentrien

First thing's first

Now, when I talk about martial arts, a lot of you would probably think directly to a movie, or to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Chuck Norris. But the fact of the matter is that it's extremely more complicated then one might think.

Not only is it hard to accomplish, but there's many different styles to choose from. As my job, I will give you those styles, define them, and tell you the basics.

Here are styles I will be doing.
Aikido
Boxing (Yes, it is a martial art)
Capoeira
Choy Li Fut
Dim Mak
Goju Kai
Goju Ryu
Hapkido
Hsing
Iaido
Jeet Kune Do
Jujitsu
Judo
Jujutsu
Kali
Karate
Kempo
Kendo
Kickboxing
Krav Maga
Kung Fu
Kyokushinkai
Muay Thai
Ninjitsu
PaKua
Pentjak Silat
Sambo
Savate
Shito Ryu
Shorin Ryu
Shorinji Kempo
Shotokan
Shukokai
Sumo (Yes, this is also a martial art. Surprising, right?)
Tae Kwon Do
Tai Chi Chuan
Tang Soo Do
Uechi Ryu
Wado Ryu
Wing Chun
Yoseikan

I will be doing these all in alphabetical order, unless someone requests me to do one early.

Just let me know your questions!