Kickboxing,Cardio Kickboxing: History, Evolution

Kickboxing and Cardio Kickboxing: History, Evolution and Advantages
written by: Sandra LaRosa


The Birth of Kickboxing
The roots of Kickboxing date back to a group of Asian martial arts, which came to be known by the name Muay Thai in Thailand around 1920s. Originally, Thailand was the place where Muay Thai was in vogue. During the late 50s and 60s, a Japanese martial artist named Osamu Nogachi studied Muay Thai deeply. He was also interested in full-contact Karate, which led him to foster a new art form fusing the elements of both. Kickboxing, as it later came to be known, is thus considered a Japanese art.

Cardio Kickboxing: The Inception
Traditional martial arts, which evolve out of heritage, usually start as self-defense trainings. Kickboxing, which was the result of conscious invention, was however different. From the beginning, Kickboxing was considered more of a sport. In the 1970s, Kickboxing gradually spread outside Japan, and made its entry to the US and Europe. Kickboxing was given a new meaning and aim by a US martial artist, Frank Thiboutot. His intention was to create a form of Kickboxing that would have the benefits of an exercise, especially for cardiac health. Thiboutot’s attempt to propagate Kickboxing with emphasis on health and fitness thus resulted in the birth of Cardio Kickboxing in 1992.

The two decades – 1990s and 2000s – saw a boom in the popularity of Cardio Kickboxing, which martial art experts often consider a fitness mania. Scientific studies which proved the advantages of martial arts gave an impetus to the flowering of Cardio Kickboxing. Since the 2000s, Cardio Kickboxing has remained the favorite option of those who wish to get maximum fitness benefit through easy and quick workout sessions.

Why Cardio Kickboxing: The Advantages
The factor which makes Cardio Kickboxing stand apart among other martial arts is that it was devised specially for health and fitness. It has imbibed the outlook and efficiency of a modern workout while retaining the essence and traditional values of Muay Thai. Many patients with abnormal lipid levels, cholesterol irregularities and cardiac problems resort to Cardiac Kickboxing as an effective exercise under the advice of physicians. Kickboxing is also a good way to tackle lifestyle problems like obesity. American Council on Education points out how Cardio Kickboxing can burn up to 800 calories an hour. Even kids can learn it easily, and remain healthy from a young age itself.

Through Cardio Kickboxing, you get sharpened reflexes and improved cardiovascular health. It is equally efficient in reducing stress. Hormones like endorphin are lost when a person becomes stressed. Cardio Kickboxing can replenish them, says the American Fitness Professionals. Their report also shows how Cardio Kickboxing is one of the workouts that consume the least amount of time. Being a high-intensity exercise, Kickboxing does the job quicker than other workouts. Obviously, there is no surprise in Cardio Kickboxing remaining the workout of the decade.


Cardio Kickboxing Lessons in Massachusetts
Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Center (Peabody MA) offers quality lessons in Cardio Kickboxing. The purpose of Kickboxing classes at Bruce McCorry’s is to let the learner experience the multifaceted advantages of the art including health, stress-relief and defense. From kids to senior citizens, all can join Bruce McCorry’s Kickboxing lessons. Efficient teachers and structured course make the academy special. Join today and learn Kickboxing under experts!

Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits

Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits
written by: Master McCorry


Milestones in the Development of Tai-Chi
Tai-Chi Chuan, or Tai-Chi, is a traditional Chinese martial art with followers all over the world. The term Tai-Chi can be roughly translated to mean The Ultimate Fist. Tai-Chi is an art with a strong philosophical foundation, and its doctrine rests on the theories of life energy and the balance of good and evil, as can be seen in the Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist traditions.


Not surprisingly, monasteries were the birthplace of Tai-Chi. According to legends, its inventor was a half-mythical Taoist monk named Zhang Sanfeng. Myths apart, factual evidence shows that the ancestor of modern Tai-Chi was invented by a 17th century warrior, Chen Wangting. Tai-Chi, which remained a Chen family tradition till the 19th century, was first taught to an outsider by Chen Changxing, a successor of the inventor. His disciple Yang Luchan made Tai-Chi popular in China. It is interesting that the Yang family, who did not want the aggressive moves to be taught to oppressive regimes like the Manchus, kept the harsher forms of Tai-Chi to their family while teaching the softer aspects to outsiders. Thus Tai-Chi developed two parallel streams – the soft and the hard traditions. Different families added their own modifications to the Chen style. As a result, at present we have five schools of Tai-Chi which are known after the five great families who created them - the Chen, Yang, Wu-Hao, Wu-Jianquan and Sun styles. In the post-war era, when Chinese martial arts went viral all over the world, Tai-Chi too became a much loved martial art.

The Benefits You Can Gain by Learning Tai-Chi

1. Tai-Chi for Health: The major factor behind the popularity of Tai-Chi is its medicinal value. In China, traditionally it is believed that Tai-Chi provides longevity. Modern studies show how Tai-Chi can control blood pressure, diabetes and lipid profile. It is also considered effective for arthritis, metabolic disorders and cardiac diseases. These findings corroborate with the Chinese belief that Tai-Chi prolongs life.

2. Tai-Chi for Fitness: Tai-Chi is acclaimed as a good workout that can burn calories quicker. Toned muscles, increased flexibility and a fit body are what a Tai-Chi learner earns with ease.

3. Tai-Chi for Mind: Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body as well as mind. There are many mental benefits of Tai-Chi, whichever age group you belong to. Children who learn Tai-Chi achieve a quick-thinking and reasoning mind. In kids, Tai-Chi sharpens memory, intellect and analytic skills. Adults, on the other hand, can get a calmer and stress-free mind through Tai-Chi.

4. Tai-Chi for Defense: Even the soft style of Tai-Chi can be used as a self-defense. Tai-Chi improves strength and confidence – a powerful combo when it comes to defense.

Learning Tai-Chi at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody, MA)
There are 3.64 Million Tai-Chi artists in US according to Statista. Choosing a good martial art is the first step. However, choosing the right place to learn is equally significant. The Tai-Chi lessons at Bruce McCorry’s are unique because the academy has some of the best Tai-Chi masters in the US as the teachers. Also, Bruce McCorry’s is a place where your whole family can join without any age restriction. Each learner will find a program that suits his/her time and needs at Bruce McCorry’s. Admissions are open – enroll today!