…can be described as a system of codified practices and traditions designed to defend oneself or others from physical threats or as linked to spiritual beliefs and codes of honor.
The Welch Martial Art Experience – Fitness Concepts Empowering Life considers Martial Art an art and science that helps us discover our BEST self through a universal language of movement. Whether the experience occurs through combat, competition, dance, song, play, fitness, or daily living, we ALL have a desire to ‘Become The Change We Seek!’
While force is often required to master other people or things, iti s our combined experiences, ideas, and interactions that provide each of us with the unique ability to examine ourselves. Understanding this will give us the courage and strength it will take to truly grow and ‘master’ ourselves.
If one seeks to define oneself through the practice of his/her art, a style label usually follows: Judoka (Judo player), Karateka (Karate practitioner), Capoeirista (Capoeira player), Ninja (Ninjitsu practitioner), etc. Historically the term “martial art,” coined in the 1920′s, referred specifically to Asian fighting styles hailing from Eastern Asian areas. However, today ‘martial art’ may also appropriately apply in the USA to any codified combat system regardless of origin.
Each ‘style’ has unique methods, customs, practices, and even applied weaponry indigenous to a particular region or way of life, but many styles share methods designed to systematize fighting techniques, formal training methodologies, and traditional routines. Martial art training can be broadly grouped into 5 areas or environments: weaponry, striking, grappling, offense and defense.
As a general practice the object of martial art is self-defense and preservation of life which can be achieved spiritually, mentally, and systematically through physical fitness – movement, nutrition, disease prevention and improved immune system function. The social benefits of martial art training are self-control, determination, concentration, and the ability to overcome obstacles and channel stress appropriately during a crisis. Similarly these are requirements for self-defense and self-control.
The greatest gift martial art training can provide practitioners is a vehicle to learn about themselves, their true capabilities, and a personal sense of respect, justice, and courtesy toward society and others.
According to Bruce Lee, the foundation for his Jeet Kune Do (JKD) philosophy, coined in the late 1960′s and still relevant today, is self-knowledge. Self-knowledge is both effective for the individual’s martial art and for life as a human being, making JKD not a way to seek knowledge or accumulate stylized patterns, but to discover the cause of ignorance in ourselves and others….We all have personal obstacles to overcome.
Do you have the courage to experience yours through martial art?
We offer training programs in the following systems: Hapkido, Wing Chun, Filipino Martial Art – Kali, Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD Concepts, Tai Chi and Capoeira. Please contact us for more information on class times for private, groups sessions, workshops, seminars and/or program rates.
Hapkido (hop-key-doe – “Way of coordinated power”):
This Korean system combines concepts from Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art forms to create a coordinated method of self defense. The principles focus on redirecting energy and force for defense, combination attacks, tools to improve balance and coordination, as well as the appropriate release of power. Practitioners are introduced to ways to quickly apply devastating techniques for defense while exercising discipline and self-control.
Wing Chun (wi’ng-ch-un – “Beautiful Springtime”):
This southern Chinese martial art system was created by a woman (a buddhist nun) and provides simple techniques that take a lifetime to master. The foundational training emphasizes body position, sensitivity, flexibility, and emphasize leverage vs. strength. The emphasis placed on body control, sensitivity, relaxation, leverage, and economy of motion, not only enhance self awareness but make this system very effective for practical self defense in the hands of a trained practitioner.
Filipino Martial Arts – ‘KALI’ (kah-lee) “Hand-Body Motion”:
This Filipino system is a comprehensive weapon based art that exposes students to a number of tools for self-defense. The reflex and muscle memory training that are involved also build attributes that can be applied to without weapons but effective for self defense training. Other systems and common names that are part of this indigenous art from Filipino and South East Asian culture include ESKRIMA ‘es-scream-ah’, SILAT ‘see-laht’, KUNTAO ‘koon-tahw’ all deliver ways to to develop awareness, dexterity, physical and mental stamina as well.
Jun Fan Gung Fu (june-fahn) – “Bruce Lee’s Personal System”:
This is an original training method created by the late Bruce Lee. As a film star, teacher, philosopher and awe inspiring martial art practitioner of many methods, he trained and documented his research of western boxing, fencing, southern chinese arts, savate, weapon and grappling training and expressed it as his personal system and training philosophy. Consequently his research and experiences have changed the way martial art is viewed globally. The training approach he coined in the late 1960′s is called JEET KUNE DO (jeet-koon-doe – “The way of the intercepting fist”) which provided a platform to share his ideas as a tool for learning and refinement to simplify combat & life challenges through training. -”It’s not about daily increase, but daily decrease.”-Bruce Lee
T’ai Chi & Qigong (chee-kung) – “Energy Exercise”
This Chinese art form provides a low impact, gradual and self-paced method for stimulate body energy and build internal strength. The benefits are many but the most immediately recognizable benefits include improved posture, breathing, vitality, and relaxing way to improve your overall health while managing stress away and reducing daily aches and pains.
Capoeira (cap-oh-wey-rah) “Short Grass Area”:
Capoeira is martial science and self defense hidden in dance. Created by enslaved Africans in Brazil, it is believed Capoeira was camouflaged as a dance to hide the fusion of dance, play, combat and music being used to uplift mind, body, and spirit from slave owners. Today Capoeira is practiced by men, women, and children all over the world. The performance aspect of this art form is electrifying! The dances are culturally rich and entertaining and the music that encompasses every aspect of this art form is hypnotic!
Contact us to find out how The Welch Martial Art Experience – Fitness Concepts Empowering Life can help you ‘Become the Change You Seek’ today!
