The Top Health Benefits Of Karate

19 Feb by

The Top Health Benefits Of Karate, Dr. Michael Chin

People continue to talk about karate at increasing rates, especially as the practice has become more popular in recent years. Known as a type of martial arts, karate originates back to China. With more knowledge and understanding of what karate is and the health benefits that it has, people around the world are trying the practice out at higher rates. With this in mind, let’s examine some of the top benefits of practicing karate.

More Active Lifestyle
One of the most obvious benefits of karate is the positive influence it can have on one’s health. In karate, a person is trained on striking moves, which can include punches, kicks, and knee strikes, and typically requires a sustainable fitness level. Because of this, karate continues to be highly recommended for helping to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

To best prepare for a season, many professional athletes have found that incorporating karate can help them achieve their peak fitness levels, as the physical discipline and training that one gets from karate continues to be nearly unmatched. According to an article from Evolve, karate can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour, providing an efficient and heart-pumping workout. By incorporating karate and martial arts into their training, not only can it help professional athletes to attain their physical goals, but anyone who wants to begin practicing a more active lifestyle.

Improved Mental Health
In addition to helping keeping your body in physical shape, it is also considered a highly beneficial practice for one’s mental health. How exactly can karate help with one’s mental health? To begin, karate and martial arts as a whole are a practice that is meant to be approached as a way to get the most out of your life physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. Because of the more intricate, difficult approach to karate, individuals who practice karate often find that their mental health has improved as a result of the discipline that is required. As one practices karate over a longer period, they may find that their overall mood and energy levels have improved.

The mental and physical benefits not only make karate a great practice to think about implementing in one’s life, but it can also help you find an active lifestyle that works best for you.

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The Difference Between Kung Fu And Karate

25 Jul by

The Difference Between Kung Fu And Karate-min

As karate has continued to evolve overtime, people have become more interested in what karate is. Many times, they may actually confuse karate with kung fu. While there are similarities between karate and kung fu, they do differ quite a bit as well. Let’s examine what exactly karate and kung fu are, and how they differ from one another.

What Are Karate & Kung Fu?
As most people will know, karate is a form of unarmed combat that uses various forms of block blows. Karate is originally from Japan, and is a form of martial arts. The main goal of karate is to become trained in defensive and counterattack movements using only one’s body. On the other hand, kung fu is a form of martial arts that originated from China, unlike karate, which originates in Japan. Like karate, the concept of kung fu comes from martial arts, as both carry similar traits.

How Do They Differ?
Although karate and kung fu draw from similar concepts from martial arts, they differ in several ways. To begin, the movements that are used in kung fu are known for their smooth techniques and movements. The smooth transitions between moves comes from the circular movements that are used throughout. Karate, on the other hand, is known to use quicker movements and follow a stop and go pattern with their movements. Unlike kung fu, karate movements do not have smooth transitions in between movements, with less graceful transitions from one move to the next.

Another difference between karate and kung fu is the length of time that each set takes. While karate’s movements come fast and hard, kung fu’s movements often take more time in an effort to make smooth transitions. Additionally, most kung fu forms are longer, and generally more complicated movements. While karate closely resembles the moves that are found in kung fu, they may not be as long.

In general, the best way to describe how karate and kung fu differ are through their techniques, styles, weapons and uniforms worn during any routine. It is important to note that while they have many differences, neither kung fu or karate are more difficult than the other, especially knowing that they both come from martial arts. Karate and kung fu continue to be staples in the martial arts spectrum, and will only continue to progress in the coming years.

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Systema Works both Body and Mind in Central Florida

18 May by

Michael Chin Worcester Systema TeamworkMembers of Central Florida Systema are engaging their very own challenge called the “one million movements challenge.” The organization is the Orlando area’s only Russian martial arts school and has members ranging from 18 to 58 years old. Starting this year, the school took the challenge of attempting to do a combined one million movements that involved pushups, leg raises, and squats. Today, they are about one-third of the way towards their goal of one million.

When David Orman first proposed the idea back in January, people thought it was a crazy idea; however, as time went on, it acted as a motivator and people began to buy into the idea and even like it. Orman’s focus during his Systema classes is classic towards the growth and development of body and mind. On one side, he hones in on the self-defense aspect with relaxed and focused movements. On the other side, he puts emphasis on personal growth and development in using the martial arts. How hard you can kick is just as important is how you treat and respect people. Martial arts are used to protect yourself against the dangers in the world, and part of protecting yourself and others is a natural affinity for the people and community you share your life with.

Other than the physical health benefits that come along with the “one million movements challenge,” there are also psychological benefits. The goal on one million movements is a challenge for the entire team, fostering a sense of community and encouragement throughout the class. The number one priority is to help solidify the group, so that the entire class can reach the goal of one million. You will get stronger by not only helping yourself, but by also helping the people around you. Even with striking and sparing, members are not only gaining physical strength, but they are also gaining psychological strength in the courage that it takes to take a hit.

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