Kampsport is a system of combat that integrates physical fitness, self-defense, weapons training, and character development. It draws on a variety of styles from Eastern and Western cultures. It also combines different types of strikes, kicks, throws, and grappling techniques to create a balanced skill set. The practice of martial arts is often associated with religion, philosophy, and meditation. It encourages an ethical and moral code that focuses on non-resistance, discipline, respect, and compassion.
Martial arts began in ancient China as a system of empty-handed combat called shoubo. Originally, it was developed in the context of armed sectarian uprisings and popular messianic upheavals. The relationship between fighting skills and a religious or messianic worldview is reflected in the shared nomenclature used for both martial arts and armed sectarian groups: shoubo is sometimes known as quan fa, the “way of the fist,” while leaders of the messianic uprisings were known as qi circulation warriors.
The martial arts became more recognizable in the west after World War II when Okinawa opened its doors to the outside world and the American public was introduced to karate. But the origins of karate and other East Asian martial arts are even older. The general practice of recording a structured style, and passing it on from master to novice across generations, goes back thousands of years.
Despite their brutal nature, the martial arts are a good way to defuse anger, improve focus and concentration, and work up a sweat. They can also be a great stress reliever, and the repetition of striking drills against a heavy bag or a foam shield helps build muscle memory and develop speed and power. Some martial artists also use a ritual shout, known as a kiai in Japanese styles and a kihap in Korean styles, during attacks to increase the power of their strikes or to frighten and surprise their opponents.
A martial artist’s arsenal of techniques include kicking, punching, throwing, grappling and defensive tactics. They also learn to control their body weight and apply a controlled stance while striking to gain an advantage over their opponent.
When learning new techniques, it’s important to start out slow and focus on proper body mechanics and basic strikes, kicks and blocks. Once you have mastered these, begin integrating them into full-body combinations and progressively increase their difficulty. It’s also helpful to seek feedback from a mentor or more experienced martial artist during training sessions to ensure proper form and technique. Finally, practicing the entire martial arts sequence on a regular basis will help you perfect your timing, speed, and flow.