Martial Arts

There are many different forms of martial arts that have originated from all over the world, such as Karate and Judo from Japan, as well as other less well known martial arts from the far east.

Why Kung Fu?

Originating from China, as a martial art Kung Fu has gained notoriety through film and television, where some famous practitioners include Bruce Lee, David Carradine, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li glamorised it as a skill and one that should be greatly respected. However, there there are in fact many different styles of Chinese martial arts and ‘Kung Fu’ has universally been adopted as an umbrella term for all of these, some ancient and some more modern.

But stepping away from the heavily publicised large and small screen glamour associated with it, Kung Fu training actually offers many benefits to those that practice it on a regular basis.

Physical Fitness – Kung Fu helps to develop your strength and flexibility and unlike many workouts that focus specifically on one or other of these needs, repeated practice of kicks, punches, and pivots help to exercise and  stretch the entire body, thereby improving your flexibility and at the same time increasing your overall strength. Fr this reason, the health benefits may include the lowering of your blood pressure, improving your blood circulation and at the same time, strengthening the immune system and improving your quality of sleep.

Improved Concentration – Kung Fu  comes from a tradition that demands intense focus. As a student you are required to learn how to perform specific exercises that have been designed not only to improve your body but also your their mind.

Self-Defense – For many, the initial driving for behind learning a martial art is for self defence. Kung Fu classes aim to teach a the student how to effectively protect themselves in the event of an attack, which does much more than just teach them how to punch and kick hard. Self-defense skills help keep the body and mind strong and cerates an inner confidence. But with that, much of the focus is also having the strength and training to defuse a situation and learn the importance of ‘self control’.

Sense of Community – A Kung Fu school is like being part of a team. Through your Kung Fu training as a group, you will build trust and friendship amongst your  peers as well as with your Masters.

Improved Confidence – Students attain a high level of sense of confidence and personal assurance that improves their mental and physical skills. They are also taught how to best handle any hostile situation, often through simply by being aware of their own high level of skills and abilities that enables them to us physical confrontation as a last resort.

Self-Expression – Kung Fu, unlike some other martial arts, is a art that allows for the highest possibilities of self-expression as it combines both grace and beauty with power and acrobatics.

Self-Discipline – Kung Fu training helps students to learn how to deal with frustrations and work toward a specific goal or objective with clarity and forward vision.

Stress Relief – Kung Fu training can ease tension, strengthen your body and help blood circulation. It has been found that frequent practice can alleviate depression and anxiety and helps to improve your mood.

Having Fun! – No one wants to attend a class that is ‘all work and no play’. Learning Kung Fu is an interesting experience, but classes are specifically designed so that at the end of the day, you leave exhilarated and motivated.

DISCLAIMER

The information gathered in producing this website to promote Mapplewell and Darton East Ward’s success and support all businesses and community groups in the area, has been done in good faith using any information available to us through our basic research. As a result errors and omissions may occur from time to time or information can become out of date. To correct any errors, to update our records, to add additional information, to remove a business or group or for any other reason please email: mappvillagehall@yahoo.co.uk and your request will be dealt with promptly. Similarly, we are always keen to add new entries and keep our ‘what’s on’ guide relevant to a changing community.