San Diego Kung Fu: The Balance of Body and Mind
Do you feel stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life? Have you put your health and fitness on the back burner? Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want a greater sense of community?
In the hectic and fast-paced culture that we live in today, technology and increasing societal demands have created an imbalance in many people's lives. For San Diego residents who are looking to regain a sense of equilibrium and improve their fitness, martial arts such as Kung Fu are very appealing options.
The art of Kung Fu is much more than what we see on television and in movies. It is a dynamic practice combining self-defense techniques with valuable physical, mental and spiritual skills that balance your body and mind for optimal results. Students of Kung Fu achieve high levels of fitness, health and well-being.
What is Kung Fu?
Although Kung Fu has been popularized in Western entertainment and media, the term Kung Fu is actually used to describe a wide variety of Chinese martial arts. In fact, there are more than 400 styles of Kung Fu that are known to exist today.
One of the most well-known styles is that of Shaolin Kung Fu which originated with the Shaolin monks of China. Shaolin Kung Fu emphasizes the balance between Yin and Yang and is guided by a unique set of principles. The most vital principle is “The Six Coordinations”:
- Hands with the feet
- Knees with the elbows
- Shoulders with the hips
- Mind with the intent
- Intent with Qi
- Qi with the physical strength
In Chinese, Kung Fu refers to anything that requires great learning and practice. Students of Kung Fu learn a variety of kicks, blocks and strikes, and sometimes throws and locks, to defend themselves against an attack. The primary goal of Kung Fu training is to achieve balance and harmony between the mind, body and physical surroundings. Because of this mind-body connection, Kung Fu is one of the most visually stunning styles of martial arts.
Practical Applications of Kung Fu
You do not have to be a fighter to benefit from training in Kung Fu and other styles of martial arts. The martial arts place great emphasis on self-discipline and respect, two values that can serve people in all areas of their lives. An education in martial arts trains students to persevere in challenging situations, solve problems quickly and with confidence and act with purpose and clarity.
Kung Fu and functional martial arts programs like those offered at SwiftKick San Diego give students practical skills for self-defense that work in real life situations. When you are faced with an opponent who may be stronger, faster or bigger than you are, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you possess the tools to fight back and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Training does not stop when you leave the SwiftKick studio. The concepts, skills and tools that you learn in class will have a ripple effect in all areas of your life – work, school and relationships. You will find that you are performing better and have more clarity and focus in your studies and work. The martial arts truly offer a holistic approach to your physical and mental health!
Ready to begin your martial arts journey?
If you want more than just a gym, explore the functional mixed martial arts and combat self-defense programs at SwiftKick Martial Arts. We proudly serve North County San Diego by providing the most effective, practical, comprehensive martial arts training. Not only will you achieve success on and off the mat, but you will also enjoy the supportive and fun environment we create for all our students.