Friday, August 8, 2014

History and Benefits of Taekwondo

An Overview of the History and Benefits of Taekwondo
written by: Master McCorry
Taekwondo through the Ages Taekwondo is a martial art that brought honor and pride to Korea in the international arena. Closely related to Korean culture and heritage, Taekwondo is an age-old art form whose origins can be traced back to the 6th century AD. Korea, then, was divided into three kingdoms with mutual rivalry. Chin Hueng, the ruler of one of these, formed a fighting troop for defending his kingdom. They were asked to practice an unarmed combat skill called SuBak. A Buddhist monk, Won Kang, was appointed to train the troop and he introduced philosophical base to SuBak. SuBak underwent many changes in the era that followed. Toward the end of the Yi reign, SuBak assimilated elements of Confucianism and Chinese influence. The prominent style of SuBak in vogue then was called TaeKyon. Later, when Japanese rule was established in Korea, the practice of TaeKyon was restricted to military. Japanese influence led to the branching of TaeKyon, causing numerous styles to evolve within it. With the liberation of Korea in 1945, the new government took initiative to unify these numerous arts such as SuBakGi, TaeKyon and Mooduk Kwon in 1946. The new standardized art was given the name Taekwondo, meaning the path of the foot and the fist. Korean Taekwondo Association was formed in 1962 and the World Taekwondo Federation in 1973. Taekwondo thus achieved the status of a globally popular martial art within 10 years. Taekwondo Today – The Advantages and Benefits At present, Taekwondo is a widely practiced martial art genre with its existence in 190 nations. US alone accounts for five million Taekwondo artists. Even recognized by the Olympics, it is a much sought-after martial art today. There are many advantages that you can gain from learning Taekwondo. 1. Benefits for Adults: Adults can achieve fitness, health and physical well-being through Taekwondo. Also, it has a great meditative quality that can reduce the stress caused by office work. 2. Benefits for Children: Learning Taekwondo in the growing-up phase can make a child physically fit for life. Taekwondo boosts a number of faculties such as memory, thinking ability, rationality and sense which children may find useful. It also fosters moral values, and helps to cope up with the problems in school like bullying and stress. Social skills also improve through learning Taekwondo. 3. Benefits for Women: At a time when violence against women is taking up much of the space in newspapers, it is important for women to learn a potent self-defense like Taekwondo. Also, Taekwondo can help women to cope up with the stress related to work and home. 4. Benefits for Seniors: Taekwondo is a good way for seniors to do away with the boredom and isolation of the life after retirement. Also, they will get the much needed exercise and health benefits from Taekwondo. Taekwondo will help seniors to remain young at heart and body even in their old age.
Taekwondo Sessions at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody, MA) offers a unique platform to learn Taekwondo, which is open for people of every age-group. Whether you are a preschooler or a senior, you will find a program in Bruce McCorry’s that suits your needs and aptitude. You can also join the academy as a family. Children have special afterschool and summer programs, in which they can learn Taekwondo while enjoying many other fun activities. To learn and enjoy the benefits of true professional Taekwondo and other marital art programs, come to Bruce McCorry’s Academy! Admissions are open now.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Kung Fu: Origin, History and Benefits


Kung Fu: Origin, History and Benefits
written by: Master McCorry

How Kung Fu Came into Being
Though Kung Fu has become popular throughout the world, it is a martial art that keeps the essence of Chinese tradition at its core. As defense techniques, Chinese martial arts took birth during the ancient quasi-legendary Xia dynasty under the reign of mythical King Huang Di, who promoted them as an essential skill to be used in battles. Many of the rulers who followed kept these combat techniques as a core strategy in their defense planning. During the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, these rudimentary Chinese arts got consolidated to a somewhat modern form called Wushu, also known as Kung Fu.
Bodhidharma
Throughout the centuries, these arts imbibed the Chinese philosophies, traditions and religious heritage, which led to their expansion beyond the original aim of defense. Kung Fu, in its modernized form, developed a philosophical base of its own. There was also focus on the peaceful aspects of the art, and a subsequent reduction in the aggressive defense aspects. Elementary forms of Kung Fu were taught since its origins in Shaolin Temple, a famous Buddhist monastery of China. The many forms taught there were refined by a monk named Bodhidharma. The new style became renowned as Shaolin Kung Fu. Gradually Kung Fu started becoming popular and numerous branches, sub-branches and styles developed with subtle differences.

Bruce McCorry at the Shaolin Temple
Learning Kung Fu: The Benefits Today, Kung Fu is one of the most admired martial arts of the world. It has found aspirants, learners and teachers all over the globe. This journey of Kung Fu from the status of a combat technique to a globally-loved martial art is not without reasons. There are many reasons why new learners are attracted to Kung Fu.
· Kung Fu for Fitness: Kung Fu burns off calories faster than many other workouts. It can give you a toned and fit body as it redistributes accumulated fat to where the body needs it.

· Kung Fu for Health: Kung Fu reduces the chance of lifestyle diseases. It boosts overall health by improving blood circulation, cardiac health and immunity.

· Kung Fu for Defense: Though it is not as defense-oriented as it used to be, Kung Fu can still help you out of a danger. You can protect yourselves by learning new moves as well as enhancing physical strength.

· Kung Fu for Self-Esteem: Martial arts in general, and Kung Fu in particular, have been proven to increase self-confidence and self-worth.

· Kung Fu for a Calm Life: Kung Fu reduces stress and does the benefit of a meditation. You can use Kung Fu to sooth yourself and prepare for another day effectively.
Choose Bruce McCorry’s Academy for Quality Kung Fu Lessons Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody MA) offers Kung Fu lessons that are aimed at the inclusive development of the learner. The lessons at Bruce McCorry’s concentrate on how a student’s natural abilities can be boosted with learnt movements of hands and knees. The classes at Bruce McCorry’s follow a comprehensive approach that includes the basic moves of Kung Fu, hand-based and weapon-based styles, an introduction to the historical and philosophical aspects, as well as meditative sessions. Experience the goodness of professional Kung Fu at Bruce McCorry’s Academy!