Kung Fu Training and the Many Facets of Martial Arts

There are many systems and styles in martial arts that might pique your interest. Two of the most sought after branches are karate and kung fu. These two systems may sound like they have the same principles and movements, but in truth, there are many differences between the two. For one, kung fu training has softer and more graceful movement than karate. In karate, they consider speed and power very important. There movements are more linear. Karatekas are focused on striking, punching and kicking. On the contrary, kung fu practitioners look like they are doing a dance as they are in harmony with their soft movements.

Another way to tell the difference between a karateka and a kung fu practitioner is through their gear. Karatekas wear a wholly white karate suit that they call gi. The suit symbolizes the purity of the mind and spirit. This robe is held together by a colored belt that indicates the level of the practitioner in karate. They also do not wear any shoes when they are training. On the other hand, kung fu practitioners wear tops with frog-style buttons. The fabric is made of light material such as satin. These tops do not look like kimonos and they are usually in different colors. Practitioners also wear cotton-soled kung fu shoes to protect their feet.

Kung fu exercises are not aimed to increase the mass of muscles but to strengthen your tendons and bones. Kung fu experts believe that muscles lose their strength as a man grows older. That is why they say that ‘If you do not practice fighting Qigong but train only your physical strength, you will be left with nothing when you grow old enough’. Qigong by the way is the system of hardening and improving your body and mind. This is focused on controlling your own consciousness, mentality and all the physiological processes. The three main categories of Qigong are health improvement, fighting and mystical. Its techniques consist of control of position, control of breath and control of mind.

Whatever style or system of martial arts you are interested in, the important thing there is you have the stamina and the endurance to last through the training exercises. For example, in kickboxing you will need all the strength that you have to last at least thirty minutes in training. The sport is indeed strenuous that it will eat up your energy in a short period of time. The movements of kickboxing requires a lot of power, it will strain both your arms and your legs. That’s why it is advisable for a practitioner to wear some protective gear. A good pair of weighted kickboxing gloves is a must for any experienced kickboxer. The gloves will serve as a protection for the hands and the knuckles and the added weight will help in increasing your stamina.

It is always helpful to have at least the basic knowledge about martial arts before you launch yourself into it. Martial arts is a respectable sport and it must be taken seriously. Individuals who are involved with it, instructor and experienced practitioners, take their craft seriously. For example, in kung fu training, wearing the right suit and using the right gear is a way to show your respect to your instructor, fellow practitioners and the sport itself. To be able to master the movements and techniques, you must also possess the right gear. You must have not only the stamina and the endurance, but also the determination to perform really well. Who knows, you might be the next sought after martial arts instructor?