There is much confusion about the martial arts which has been fuelled by the media portrayal of them as a spectacular way to hurt people. The perception is that they are of a singular type and solely about fighting. This is not so and, as is the case in the world of dance, the methods by which you achieve the necessary skills is different. You don't take ballet classes to learn how to tap dance!
Examples of the wide variety of martial arts systems are:-
- Chinese - many styles of the flowing, old and traditional, Kung Fu systems such as Shaolin, Wing Chun, Feng Shou, Preying Mantis, White Crane, - the list is long. Also there are the Tai Chi Chu'an styles with their deep and effective martial art but now much more appreciated for health and well-being benefits.
- Japanese - the disciplined styles of Karate such as Shotokan, Wado Ryu, Kenpo alongside the "throwing arts" such as Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Judo. You also have the extraordinary Sumo art.
- Korean - such as the strong kicking art of Tae Kwon Do or flowing Tang Soo Do.
- Brazilian - the mesmerising Capoeira borne out of the slave dances and now seen a lot in street dance routines.
- Indian - a multitude of boxing wrestling and weapons styles.
- Thailand - the ancient and spiritual Muay Thai boxing.
- Philippines - Escrima and Kali weapon fighting and grappling or locking techniques.
There are many, many more and, like the different cultures they come from, they exhibit different features. Each one has an "essence" which will suit some people but not others. However, there are often common threads between them. Indeed, nowadays, there are many who train in the more modern systems of Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing which draw on a mix of styles but focus on the fitness and fighting aspects.
Equally, many of the martial arts systems concentrate on mental, spiritual and emotional development. This can be something that fits in with those who are less capable or interested in the "fighting" aspects. Self-defence is still taught but the requirement for "sparring" or confrontation may be reduced.
So, which one suits you? It is the same as choosing a dance class. What are you capable of and what do you want to learn? Do you want to do energetic Street dancing or disciplined Ballet? Is jazzy Tap dancing or elegant Ballroom for you? Which one can you cope with? It is a similar choice — do you want to fight to overcome and opponent or simply be able to defend yourself no matter what you are confronted with.
All require dedication and commitment. No approach is wrong as there are "many ways to climb a mountain" — it is finding the right path to take you on a journey that will allow you to get to the top.
—Sifu Steve