| When seen on television or across the silver | | | | enlighten. The basics, which are founded in simple |
| screen, martial arts appear a striking phenomena, | | | | conditioning exercises and stances, paired with |
| an art performed with incredible force and | | | | meditation that facilitate focus, can be easily |
| daunting physical power. In practice, the masters | | | | taught and learned under a proper master. |
| and students we see in the classrooms and | | | | Learning Kung Fu, benefits not only the body, but |
| gymnasiums seem exuberant, disciplined and full | | | | the mind and soul, as it reworks the muscles in |
| of vigor. We often find ourselves admiring martial | | | | action and engulfs the self into a higher level of |
| arts and their practitioners, but very seldom do | | | | awareness. |
| we consider attempting them. For ourselves, we | | | | Taekwondo is growing in the international spotlight, |
| may wonder if we're past the age where we | | | | and is in fact the most popular martial art in the |
| could ever learn such an art. For our children, we | | | | world with the largest number of practitioners. It |
| ask if they are too young to comprehend and | | | | is the national sport of South Korea, and an art |
| appreciate it. The truth, however, is that martial | | | | with a very interesting history due to the |
| arts can be learned at any age. | | | | Japanese occupation of Korea a century ago. |
| Like any new physical routine, a person must first | | | | Taekwondo, like many other martial arts, focuses |
| evaluate their past and current health in order to | | | | on several areas of effect, namely combat, |
| determine where they would like to see their | | | | self-defense, sport and meditation. There is a |
| future health. The great thing about martial arts is | | | | great emphasis on the legs, as the founders of |
| that no matter where one is in their current | | | | the art believed that the legs are the longest and |
| health, there is a martial art suitable to take them | | | | strongest part of the human body, thus the |
| where they would like to be. | | | | greatest weapon and foundation. It is an art that |
| Kung Fu is more well known by name than | | | | focuses on the development of strength, speed, |
| content. It is a martial art deeply rooted in | | | | balance and overall stamina, which is great for one |
| Chinese history and philosophy, brought to light in | | | | of ambitious mind and body. |
| modern pop culture by cinema and famous martial | | | | There is a martial art for every and any one out |
| artists such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. | | | | there willing to put forth the time and effort, |
| While portrayed in the media as a powerhouse | | | | regardless of age, gender, or even weight and |
| physical force, an action staple, and highly | | | | current health. Practicing the arts does not only |
| combative art, Kung Fu actually encompasses so | | | | help to discipline the mind and body, but raise self |
| much more than that. | | | | awareness and security. Kung Fu and Tae kwon |
| The aforementioned martial artists and films that | | | | do are only two examples of a very diverse set |
| they have starred in or inspired, can make Kung | | | | of martial arts, a person only needs to look a bit |
| Fu seem quite intimidating. Yet, the art is not | | | | further or wider to find one to fit their life. |
| meant to intimidate, but to encourage and | | | | |