The World Health Organization (WHO) cites inactivity as one of the leading causes of weight gain. It is easy to see why. Many people in North America have adopted a sedentary lifestyle. Most Canadians sit all day at work and spend most of the time in front of the television when home. Remember, being overweight or obese leads to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Weight gain seems harmless until you start battling health conditions or have difficulty doing simple activities like tying your shoelaces. The real test is in trimming those extra layers of fat. The majority of overweight people try doing gym exercises, but soon they’re bored and quit. Doing martial arts instead is a great alternative. Not only does it give you a proper workout, but it is also fun.
How does martial arts help with weight loss?
If you have been having a hard time losing weight, martial arts may be the thing that does the trick. The good thing is, there are various martial arts disciplines you can choose from when starting your weight loss journey. The first is mixed martial arts (MMA), a mix of multiple styles such as Karate, kickboxing, and Judo. Since it combines different styles, MMA gives you a full-body workout, helping you shed weight quickly.
Taekwondo involves various kicking techniques, which range from easy to complex. It works your core muscles and quadriceps so that you can skillfully execute the acrobatic kicks. Third on our list is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a discipline that originates in Japan. This style helps you learn how to subdue your opponent using various grappling techniques like shrimping and gripping. Unlike many martial arts styles, it doesn’t involve striking but provides a full-body workout.
If you are looking for a more intense form of martial arts with weight loss exercises, choose Muay Thai. Mastering techniques such as clinch holds and low kicks requires speed and power. Practising Muay Thai regularly helps you burn a lot of calories and plays an important role in reducing your weight. Other great martial arts disciplines include boxing, Kung Fu, Krav Maga, and Aikido.
Martial arts weapons
When learning martial arts, you need the right gear. Weapons are just as important as wearables. Although martial arts mainly involves using the hands and legs for self-defense, it’s also vital that students learn to use various martial arts weapons.
Here are some martial arts weapons from Bushido:
Knives: A knife is an ideal weapon for most people looking to defend themselves when attacked. But it can be useless if you don’t know how to use it properly, especially when your attacker is great at self-defense.
Tonfa: The tonfa is a baton-like stick that’s approximately 15-20 inches in length. It has a perpendicular handle which is a third of the way down its length. When you hold this stick, it’s perpendicular to the arm. This enables you to execute numerous strikes as well as protect yourself. Tonfas usually come in pairs and can be an asset if you learn to use them. Bushido provides tonfas in various colours and sizes.
Swords: The several kinds of swords include Kung Fu sword PP, Kung Fu Sword Soft Blade Steel, Tai Chi Hardwood Sword, and Shinai Bamboo. Kendo is a popular martial arts style that involves using bamboo swords.
Nunchaku: Basically, it’s two sticks connected by a short rope or chin. You’ve probably seen fighters using nunchakus in martial arts movies. Bushido’s nunchakus have a foam covering to protect you, and the core is made of PVC.
Bushido also offers other weapons such as sai & kama, stars, guns, and Bo staff & sticks.
Would you like to know how to use weapons like nunchakus and swords for self-defense? Well, this is the time. Note that martial arts also helps with weight loss, so you will be killing two birds with one stone!
