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There is a special training for
the sport. Wrestlers are recruited as early as the age of twelve. They are
housed in a monastery. The boys are given intensive training in the
monastery, where they also expected to serve their elders. Most of the adult
participants in the big events are huge Japanese men who weigh twenty-five
stones.
Yet another
form of Japanese martial arts is the shorinji kempo.
There are around a million people practicing the sport. It is over two thousand
years old and is said that a Buddhist monk from India introduced the sport to
China! |
A Sumo wrestler before the start of a wrestling match |
Participants
are expected to wear a uniform – the traditional black robe of the Chinese
monks. Shorinji kempo has some similarities with the better known art jujitsu,
with similar holds and throws being used in both. In the case of Shorinji kempo,
however, the emphasis is on balancing the active side with the calm that is
practiced in meditation.
A martial
art native to France is kick boxing,
which was popular in the eighteenth century. The art contributed significantly
to the style of French boxing, which is now being revived as a modern martial
art.
If you can
get hold of two elongated narrow boats (like the kayaks) and wear them like
skis, you could get into skiyaking.
Of course, these are special kayaks, known as skiyaks. The skiyaks are made of
polyester resins and are unsinkable. Every skiyak has a special opening for a
foot. The openings are like air-filled pockets and they help the participant to
remain stable.
A
participant pushes forward each skiyak alternately, using the feet, and then
slowly builds up speed with the help of a double bladed paddle. Experts say that
on running water, with a favorable current, it is possible to reach a speed of
thirty miles an hour.
There are a multitude of different styles of martial arts so whether you choose Jujitsu or more weaponry based styles like Kendo, you will need to have good martial arts equipment. If you have a regular dojo or a home gym proper equipment can make all the difference.
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