Grace and Defence – The Dancing Martial Arts

Are you looking for a way to stay active that incorporates more than one of your interests? You don’t need to join separate dance and martial arts classes to enjoy moving to a rhythm, while learning some self defence moves, because the dancing martial arts can incorporate it all. Capoeira, and other lesser known dance based martial arts, will improve your balance, coordination and overall fitness, whilst teaching you some valuable principles should you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation.

The history of dancing martial arts

Although today many people enjoy the martial arts purely as a means to exercise the entire body, originally such fighting styles were created for self defence or for battle. From these origins the dancing martial arts were also born. Dance has, throughout history, been used as a means to provoke rival armies, or even to inspire one’s own army to success. It also provides a great way to showcase the skill of a warrior in a stylish manner, sure to fan the flames of fear in the heart of an enemy.

While each individual dancing martial art can trace its origins to a different beginning, it is safe to assume that some form of combat was at the root of each.

The dancing martial arts today

From the well known Capoeira to the Khattak Dance of Afghanistan, from the Tahtib found in Egypt to Combat Hopak from Ukraine, there are many different styles of dancing martial arts. It may not be possible to find local classes for some of these more unusual fighting stances in small communities; however with a bit of research you could be surprised at the choices open to you.

Should you struggle to find any evening classes for your martial art of choice, you could look online for DVD or video tuition. However, it is strongly recommended that to learn the proper form of any dancing martial art, you attend a class led by a qualified professional, particularly if you are entering as a beginner.

Although the skills that you learn within dancing martial arts can easily be used for self defence, you should be aware that the majority of forms do not focus on causing injury to your opponent. Instead, they are a means to display your skill, with a dramatic display of kicks, defensive rolls and body sways. Moves such as cartwheels that culminate in a devastating kick are often displayed, as the dances combine the defensive and offensive manoeuvres that they offer seamlessly.

The benefits of dancing martial arts

As a means to staying healthy, toning your body and even strengthening your immune system, there are few exercises better than the dancing martial arts. Improved balance, self confidence and concentration are other benefits that you may reap as you continue to progress.

However, particularly in combining dance with fighting moves, you may also find some spiritual satisfaction from the activity. Combining emotional expression with physical strength may be a means to discovering yourself and the world around you more clearly than you thought possible.

Rebecca L. Smith is a full time freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in creating an assortment of articles on a range of different topics of interest.