Some Of The Most Popular Martial Arts In America Today

Americans have always had a fascination with eastern culture, but nowhere is that manifested more plainly than in their obsession with martial arts. Thanks to action movie heroes such as Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris, a whole new generation has taken up the gauntlet from their parents and are enrolling in classes all across the country.

Of course, many who learned young are still practicing as adults, and many senior enthusiasts who have been doing martial arts all their lives are simply switching to gentler disciplines. Martial arts benefit participants physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even socially. Here's a snapshot look at some of the most popular martial arts disciplines in America today.

Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do (TKD) is the national sport of South Korea, its country of origin. It is thought by many martial arts enthusiasts to be the single most popular martial art in America, but the jury is still officially out on that claim: however, it definitely can boast the most practitioners world-wide.

It is a discipline that highly emphasizes ethics, and its focus is on self-defense and self-mastery. There is no hard contact so there is less chance of injury, its curriculum is relatively simple, and participants can obtain black belts in shorter amounts of time than in other martial arts programs.

Karate

Karate is a martial art that goes by different names depending on the country where it is being practiced. In Japan it is called Judo, in Thailand it is called Muay Thai, and so forth: each country adds its own spin to the basic principles and techniques. For example, Judo focuses much more on grappling techniques.

Originating in Japan, this martial art was developed by peasants in an attempt to defend themselves against marauding Samurai warriors. Kicks and punches are the order of the day with the original form of Karate, as well as different types of self-defensive moves.

Tai Chi

One of the gentlest of the martial arts, Tai Chi was originally developed in China as a means of self-defense. Over time, it evolved into a regimen for exercise, stretching, meditation, and overall wellness. Popular with adults of all ages, Tai Chi is a favorite among senior citizens because of its many health benefits.

Ninja (Ninjutsu)

The art of the ninja or Ninjutsu, has enjoyed a resurgence in America over the last several decades, thanks in large part to its being featured in popular movies such as "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." It originated, of course, with the famous ninja warriors who dominated the battlefields in Japan some centuries ago. It is a system incorporating both aggressive and self-defensive techniques, with throws, ground fighting, and the use of specific weaponry.

Of course, there are many other different types of martial arts that enjoy continuing popularity in America: and they show no signs of letting up anytime soon.