Sunday, November 6, 2011

There's more to martial arts than just karate and judo

There's more to martial arts than just karate and judo

From taekwondo to wushu to jiu-jitsu, Navi Mumbaikars are learning it all for self defence


Age is no bar for martial art enthusiasts. Right from three-year-olds to 25 and above, the art of self defence has definitely taken over Navi Mumbaikars in a big way. Just about few years back, if someone told that his kid learnt martial arts, than karate would be the only thing to come to our mind. However, today, the scenario has undergone a drastic change with more than four types of martial arts being learnt by kids. And the interesting part about this change is that the children are not only learning the art, but are also winning laurels in various championships.
Ajit Bhosle, a black belt in karate and taekwondo coach from the city says that martial art has spread its wings in just the past four years now. "Earlier, it would just be karate, but today parents have a number of martial art styles offered on a platter, for their kid. Self defence is being given immense importance and taken quite seriously these days, although everyone knew about it since times immemorial. Actually, the base element of all the styles is the same, and there are a few differences in the way they are performed," informed Bhosle.
About 60 percent of students from Navi Mumbai learn martial arts these days; the reason being it enhances your personality besides strengthening your from within. Agrees Rajan Deshmukh, a kick-boxing trainer, who has been training students in this art since long. He mentioned, "It's true that martial art is being opted by a lot of people these days, not just students but professionals as well since it has gained lot of importance these days. The variety in the forms of this art gives people the reason to learn them."
Sandeep Shelar, the only Wushu coach in Navi Mumbai mentions that every form of martial arts is distinct in itself; be it karate, taekwondo, wushu etc. Although, not many people have heard about this form (wushu), hence Sandeep is trying to popularise this form in Navi Mumbai. "Wushu is a Chinese martial art that includes two parts — Sanshou (fight) and Taolou (event). In Sanshou, there are three techniques that include punch, kick and throw and Taolou comprises of ten events. It is a very interesting form of martial art and can be learnt by anyone," explained Sandeep who is also a national judge.
Another famous form of martial art is Jiu-Jitsu, which is a close combat sport and it teaches students self defence, focusing on grappling and especially ground fighting. "This art has already gained popularity among children. Jiu Jitsu is one of the most popular choices with professionals more than kids, since it doesn't involve fighting the opponent with your strength. Jiu Jitsu is all about using your opponent's power, infact it is also known as the mother judo and Aikido. It doesn't require a lot of strength or skill, and can be used for your daily defence since it's actually a prompt reaction to save yourself," mentioned Shihan Dev Anand, president and technical director of Jiu Jitsu International, Vashi.

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