It’s a new year, a time for new beginnings and new challenges. And if you don’t train any martial arts yet, it’s not too late to add it to your list of resolutions. But with all the martial arts options available (we offer 8 different arts at the SMA Centre alone) it can be tough to know which art will give you what you’re looking for.
Since martial arts knowledge is what we’re all about, we’ve provided an overview of which martial arts, available at the SMA Centre, will best suit your needs and satisfy whatever it is you’re looking for from a martial art.
Hard-hitting self-defence
The leading reason for training in the martial arts is self-defence, and all the arts will offer techniques and tactics suited to the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat. But some arts place a greater emphasis on being fight-ready than others. The SMA-exclusive Wuxian Combat, for example, aims to arm practitioners with adaptable, real world-ready techniques for improving situational awareness and responding to dangerous or potentially life-threatening situations. Perfect if you’re looking for a self-defence option.
Likewise, arts like Sanda and SMA’s own San Thai, with their kickboxing elements, provide the practitioner with powerful tools and techniques for taking the fight to a competitor or assailant. The best defence is to not get into a fight, but when it can’t be avoided, these arts will give you the tools to come out on top.
Spirituality and inner peace
There’s more to life than punching throats and kicking butt. Strains of ancient Eastern philosophy are embedded in the DNA of Chinese martial arts, and these teachings are focused on balancing the body, spirit, and mind. Bringing together meditative instruction, controlled breathing techniques, and the flowing movements of fluid combat, arts like Tai Chi and Qi Gong are also low-impact, making them perfect for those who might be daunted by more rough-and-tumble martial arts.
Shaolin Kung Fu is another Chinese martial art with a strong philosophical focus, balanced by the plethora of armed and unarmed combat techniques you’d expect from one of the world’s oldest martial arts.
Chiselled fitness
If you want to develop a beach-ready body, there are better ways than the monotony of gym. Whether it’s the ‘gentle art’ of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu grappling or the high-tempo striking styles of Sanda and San Thai, these arts’ focus on competition and overcoming trained adversaries means that there is a sport-like approach to training. With regular sparring and grappling drills, you’ll be putting your body through its paces, learning and developing even as you build your fitness levels.
Shaolin Kung Fu is another Chinese martial art with a strong philosophical focus, balanced by the plethora of armed and unarmed combat techniques you’d expect from one of the world’s oldest martial arts.
Dedication and discipline
Martial arts are oft-cited sources of great personal development, and for good reason. No matter the art you choose – from Wushu to Tai Chi – the motivation of training, advancing, and perfecting your techniques will keep you coming back for more. Without even noticing, you will be refining the strength of your discipline and your determination to achieve and even exceed excellence.
Choose yours at the SMA Centre
With 8 disciplines to choose from and a world-class training staff that includes regional, national, and international champions, the SMA Centre is ready to offer you life-changing martial arts training. Contact us today, and enquire about our training schedule.