ARTICLES

Page 2 Martial Arts Styles continues....

Kali Silat - Kali, meaning body in motion, is the Martial Art of the Philippines . Our Kali program consists of energy drills and sensitivity training utilizing hand eye coordination techniques with or without the use of weapons. Silat is the Art form of Malaysia , Indonesia and the Philippines . It is the art of taking down an attacker simply and directly utilizing locks, chokes and holds.

Kajukenbo - Kajukenbo was founded in 1947 at Palamas Settlement on Oahu , Hawaii . It developed out a group calling themselves the "Black Belt Society", which consisted of black belts from various martial arts backgrounds who met to train and learn with each other. This was the beginning of an evolutionary, adaptive style designed to combine the most useful aspects of the arts. Kajukenbo is a unique martial art style combining the techniques of KA- Karate, JU- Judo and Jujitsu, KEN- Kenpo, and BO- Boxing. It was founded in Hawaii in 1947 by Adriano Emperado, and is one of the most popular forms of self-defense practiced in the world today, because of its' effectiveness and logical approach. It's main philosophy is that every martial arts style has something to offer, and if one accepts that idea and trains accordingly, they will become a more well-rounded and, therefore, more effective martial artist.

Kalaripayattu - Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art of the State. It is considered as the forerunner of Karate & Kung-fu. The Kalari is treated as the temple of learning. Age-old traditions and customs are still practiced inside the Kalari. The Gurukkal system consists of rigorous physical training besides training in self-discipline. The weapons used were the sword, Dagger, Shield, short sticks, spears etc. The co-ordination of the body and mind is given maximum importance in this art.

Karate - Karate is a generic term for the various kick/punch arts which originated in Okinawa and Japan . Karate is a Japanese word that translates into English as, “empty hand.” It is a martial art of unarmed self-defense in which directed blows of the hands or feet are delivered with special shouts from a poised stance. Karate is related to judo but stresses striking techniques, through kicks and punches, rather than wrestling or throwing an opponent. Karate as a means of self-defense has the oldest history, going back hundreds of years. It is only in recent years that the techniques which have been handed down were scientifically studied and the principles evolved for making the most effective use of the various moves of the body. Training based on these principles and knowledge of the working of the muscles and the joints and the vital relation between movement and balance enable the modern student of Karate to be prepared, both physically and psychologically, to defend himself successfully against any would-be assailant. As a physical art, Karate is almost without equal. Since it is highly dynamic and makes balanced use of a large number of body muscles, it provides excellent all-around exercise and develops coordination and agility.

The major traditional styles of karate are Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, and Wado Ryu. Each of these styles is taught by several international organizations. Besides these 4 main styles there is a wide variety of other styles, system and family forms of karate. All of them trace their origin back to the island of Okinawa, formerly also know as the Ryukyu Islands, and the martial art developed there. Shotokan karate is an art, a sport, and the basis for a method of self defense. Different people choose to emphasize different aspects of karate in their personal training and study. As a group everyone is exposed to, and expected to participate in, training geared toward all three aspects (art, sport, and self defense) in an attempt to have a well rounded background. Stylistically, Shotokan is known for having strong, low stances, dynamic hip motions, and extremely precise techniques.

Kendo - Kendo is a Japanese style of fencing derived during the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912), from the two-handed sword fighting techniques of the samurai. Today kendo, which means "way of the sword", is practiced with shinai (bamboo swords), and fighters wear protective equipment covering the target areas: the head, wrists, and abdomen. The bogu (protective gear) consists of a men (face mask), a do (breastplate), kote (fencing gloves), and the tare, a kind of apron to protect the stomach and hips. Under the protective gear, kendoka (students of kendo) wear a hakama, or wide split skirt, reaching the ankles. The weapon used in Kendo is the shinai, or bamboo sword. The shinai is approximately four feet in length and is made of four carefully formed bamboo slats bound together to form hollow cylinder. A cord runs along the length of the shinai. To make a valid cut a player must strike his opponent with the side opposite the cord. In addition the point must be struck with the top third of the shinai.

Kickboxing - Kickboxing started in the US during the 1970's when American karate practitioners became frustrated with strict controls on martial arts competitions that didn't allow full contact kicks and punches. Many questions were raised when the sport began about the high risk of injury. As a result, safety rules were improved and protective clothing was added. As this is a relatively new sport there are no long-term traditions. The sport has undergone changes and been refined during the last two decades. Competitors use sparring, kicks, punches, kick blocks, shadow boxing, and wood breaking that is learned and applied under professional instruction.

Kobudo - Kobudo is an entirely separate art, even though many American systems combine it as part of their Karate (or "empty hand") system. It is the study of Ryu Kon Kai Kobudo – traditional Okinawan Weapons. These weapons include the Bo - six-foot staff, Sai - short-sword, Tonfa - side-handled baton, Nunchaku - 2-section staff, Kama - sickle, Eku - oar. Tekko - brass knuckles, and others.

Krav Maga - A practical and tactical system which teaches how to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks. KM prepares the trainees in the subjects of self-defense, self protection, fighting and combat skills, as well as skills to defend others, all in unique and comprehensive teachings and way. Krav-Maga was developed in Israel , under realistic demands and conditions. Founded and formed by Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or) and continues to advance and be modified by Eyal Yanilov, assisted by the top instructors of IKMF. Krav-Maga is a horizontal system with a unique and logical approach. It is easy to learn and retain, performed naturally and intuitively, and practically be use under stressful conditions. An essential part of KM is its teaching process, methodology and ways of training. Krav-Maga contains special approaches, tactics, techniques, subjects, drills and training methods for the different sectors: Civilians of all ages, men and women, young and old; Law-enforcement officers; Military personnel and units; Correction service officers and wardens; Security officers; As well as: Close protection officers; Undercover agents; Antiterrorists groups; Air-marshals; Special and commando units.

Kuk Sool Won   - The roots of Kuk Sool date back to the very beginning of Korea with "Sado Mu Sool" which means family or tribal martial art. The next martial art to develop was "Bulkyo Mu Sool", or "Buddhist martial art". Shortly afterwards came "Koong Joong Mu Sool" which translates to 'Royal Court Martial Art'. These are the three segments of ancient Korean martial arts from which the techniques of Kuk Sool evolved. Although its origin may be traced back to antiquity, the present Kuk Sool system was formally devised only recently. Grand master In Hyuk Suh spent more than fifty years in single minded practice and research in order to learn, compile, master and organize the more than 3,600 techniques that comprise Kuk Sool. He founded the Kuk Sool Won in 1961 and took it to the United States in 1974. For self defense, Kuk Sool is unsurpassed. It combines kicking, punching, throwing, falling, choking, joint locking and a myriad of weapons techniques into a beautiful and dynamic 'hard-soft' style, emphasizing speed and fluidity. In conjunction with physical training, meditation, breathing, acupressure and acupuncture techniques are employed to improve and maintain health, develop internal power and retard the ageing process. Philosophically, Kuk Sool stresses humility, self discipline, loyalty and respect for others.

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