Martial Arts

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Martial arts can be dangerous and should always be practised with care and discipline, under the guidance of professional instructors
Martial arts is the name for various forms of unarmed combat
Martial arts are practised as competitive sports as well as for fitness, self-defence, meditation, mental discipline, character development and self-confidence

Karate is a traditional Japanese style of fighting without weapons
It involves punching, striking and kicking techniques. Sharp blows and kicks are given to sensitive points on the opponent's body
Most karate clubs run training sessions for between one and two hours. If you are a beginner, you'll probably find that one hour is enough to start with
As you progress, you can take grading examinations which are formal events in which your karate skills are tested. If you pass your grading, your club or organisation will recognise your right to wear a belt of a different colour. The colour of the belt you wear signifies your level of ability in practising karate. White is the most junior belt colour, and black is the most senior

Judo is a Japanese art of self-defence and an Olympic sport
It is a wrestling form in which you turn an opponent's strength into his weakness to overcome him

Kung Fu is a traditional Chinese fighting style
It uses kicks, strikes, throws, body turns, dodges, crouches and starts, leaps and falls, handsprings and somersaults

Kickboxing is very physical. If you are interested in learning to kickbox, it is advisable to visit your local club and watch a session first
It is an athletic workout that consists of shadow boxing, heavy bag work, strength and conditioning. It focuses on the upper body for a variety of punches, and the lower body for kicks
Boxing gloves and wrist wraps are worn
One popular form of kickboxing is known as aerobic or cardiovascular (cardio) kickboxing , which combines elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics
Wear loose, comfortable clothes which allow your arms and legs to move in all directions, and make sure you drink plenty of water before, after and throughout training
Start with low kicks as you slowly learn proper kickboxing technique

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind-body relaxation exercise
It relieves stress, creates a sense of relaxation and promotes over well-being of the body and mind
It combines graceful movement, meditation and breath regulation to enhance your body's energy flow. 108 intricate exercise sequences are performed in a slow, relaxed, flowing manner over a 30-minute period

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art which is similar to karate
It is an art of self-defence
It emphasises high-kicking and body punching
The aim of Taekwondo is to land as many kicks and blows on your opponent as possible
There are three rounds of three minutes each and the action takes place inside an eight square-metre zone on a mat