Martial arts training come with many benefits. For one, you’ll be physically and mentally fit. But the key is deciding which style to try and excel in it.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is perfect for developing your stamina and strength. Dubbed the “art of eight limbs” it makes use of different combat techniques like kicks, elbow and knee strikes and clinching.
The training required on top of actually performing the aforementioned techniques on an opponent can be very hard, but it will make your fighting skills significantly better and increase your mobility and agility as well.
Muay Thai necessitates superior conditioning and execution. But it’s definitely worth it. As an added bonus, you’ll burn more than 600 calories per hour doing it too.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that specializes in fast-kicking techniques. A large portion of your training will be focused on strengthening the core and lower body, and developing endurance and stamina.
With this martial art you will be doing a lot of cardio exercises, including running. You’ll find yourself doing high intensity exercises including kick drills, agility ladder, heavy bags and weight training. The average person will burn over 700 calories from an hour of Taekwondo training.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) focuses on grappling and ground fighting, putting a lot of weight on flexibility and agility. Even with a much larger and stronger opponent you could win a fight by perfecting your stamina, coordination, speed and grappling skills instead of trying to get stronger. With BJJ you can shed as much as 700 calories per hour.
Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art which started in the 1800s. It uses a combination of grappling, joint locks and throws. You’ll be pushing your stamina and endurance as you go back and forth from being on your feet to being on the ground. Moreover, you’ll develop better reflexes, build strength, lose weight and get a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. You could burn up to 800 calories an hour with Judo.
Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian dancing that uses martial arts elements. It is excellent in toning the body. It incorporates strength training and cardio, combining acrobatics, self-defense, dance, song and music. You’ll find yourself doing headstands and spinning and movements are fluid. You can burn up to 700 calories an hour with this style.
Wrestling
Wrestling will hit pretty much any fitness goal you have. It involves various techniques such as takedowns, grappling holds and clinch fighting. You need to be conditioned and have the right discipline. That’s because to compete at a certain level you need to make weight, which means you have to learn about proper dieting on top of your training. As a wrestler, you’ll build great endurance to handle your opponent. You’ll be doing a lot of cardio, on top of strength building and toning.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga was introduced by the Israel Defense Forces, and this hand-to-hand style can help you build strength and endurance. Krav Maga involves a lot of moves like punches, takedowns, knees, blocks, elbows and kicks. Expect a high intensity workout combining cardio, mitt work, and bag training among others. You can burn up to 800 calories an hour with this style.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is derived from various styles with Western to Japanese origins. MMA can definitely give you full body workout. First, it teaches body discipline and you’ll be continually pushing yourself to train. Training is also varied, as you’ll be doing weight training, circuit training, and strength training.
Boxing
Boxing is always a popular option if you’re looking to build a lean and strong body. You can burn anywhere from 400 or more than 600 calories per hour with boxing. You can train with a punching bag or speed bag. You also need to build core strength and improve your muscle tone.
Consider one or more of the martial arts we’ve listed above to build strength, tone your body, and make you healthy and fit overall. The idea is to dedicate yourself to a discipline and work hard on getting better everyday.
If you’re looking for a hard core workout, try this boxing tutorial: