Jiu Jitsu Experts in NYC Explain the 10 Most Popular Forms of Martial Arts in New York Learning a martial art offers anyone a plethora of benefits to any New York resident and is perhaps one of the most advantageous forms of exercise there is. The name for these codified traditions and combat techniques originates from “Mars,” the God of War and it essentially means “art of Mars”. Many of the martial art forms we know have been made popular by the films that have made their way to NYC from across the pond; mostly from the East: from Korea (Taekwondo), China (Kung Fu) and Japan (Karate). Yet Taekwondo, Kung Fu and Karate are just three of dozens of different kinds of martial arts and they stem from countries and cultures all over the world. In this four-part article series, we speak to a panel of Jiu-jitsu experts in NYC about the top most popular forms of martial arts in New York; what their combat techniques involve and what their underlying philosophies, basic codes and ethics are. So, let’s begin! In no particular order… Popular Martial Arts in New York # 1: Jiu-Jitsu Jiu-jitsu, also spelt “Jujutsu” or “Jujitsu”, Jiu-Jitsu, Most Preferred Martial Arts in NYC is a martial art form that originated in Japan. The key philosophy of this martial art is to equip the unarmed fighter with the combat techniques necessary to go up against an armed and even armored assailant. “Jiu-jitsu is the martial art that can be said to be based upon the story of David and Goliath,” explain jiu-jitsu experts in NYC. “You have an advantaged opponent who is wearing armor and who bears a weapon and you have nothing but your bare hands or a much smaller weapon. With mastery in Jiu-jitsu, you have the physical and mental tools necessary to neutralize your opponent, no matter how big their advantage.” How is this possible? “The idea behind combat in jiu-jitsu is not to meet force with force, but rather to use your enemy’s speed or momentum of attack against them,” say jiu-jitsu experts in NYC. “Once
they have been thrown to the ground, you make use of a number of pinning techniques, joint locks and choke holds to keep them there. Students of this popular form of martial arts in New York can expect to learn five core techniques: escaping, striking, blocking, nonfulcrum throws and fulcrum throws.” Popular Martial Arts in New York # 2: Aikido “Aikido as a martial art form is quite similar in philosophy to jiu-jitsu as it teaches the student to use their opponent’s speed or force of attack against them,” explain martial arts experts in New York. “Using quick, deft movements, side-steps, turning motions and throwing and grappling techniques, you can take your opponent’s attack and, in one seamless movement, send it reeling to the floor or in completely the Aikido One of the Preferred Martial Arts in New York
wrong direction.
“Aikido does not require you to be powerful or built in stature because ultimately you are using your opponent’s force against him or her; you are not meeting the attack straight-on. Aikido originates in Japan and at a time when violence and conflict were greatly frowned upon. Thus, it is a gentle form of martial arts that seeks to protect you as much as the wellbeing of your attacker.” Stay Tuned for Part 2 Stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series to learn more about the different kinds of martial arts that have become really popular in New York, such as Jiu-jitsu and Aikido.