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Martial arts such as Chinese Kung Fu, Indian Kalari Payattu or modern Tai-bo fusion techniques are very popular today: they harmoniously combine the ability to express aggression and the ability to control emotions, exercises for body development and techniques for relieving stress.
All these techniques combine breathing exercises and a set of combat techniques. “Some people say that martial arts change a person,” says Valery Rosvirov, a master of Chinese martial arts. “But that is not the case – it is simply through their correct practice that people return to their true nature. And returning to yourself gives health, happiness and peace of mind.
Chinese martial art: kung fu
Origin. China, the Shaolin Monastery during the reign of the South Chinese Nan Liang Dynasty (502–557), is considered the birthplace of kung fu. However, the Chinese themselves say that some of the styles of kung fu existed more than a thousand years ago.
Философия. In China, the word “kung fu” means “mastery” – it can be achieved in various areas of our lives, whether it be work, relationships, spiritual (religious) path. According to the philosophy of kung fu, in order to win, you need to resolve your internal conflicts, so the main task of martial art is not to train the body and develop the ability to fight, but to educate the personality, to train the mind. Martial arts are divided into two styles: internal and external. The outer style requires more physicality and includes schools that teach active techniques such as wushu. Here, the student first learns to master the body completely, only then begins to work with more subtle concepts, such as qi energy. By practicing the inner style, the student moves from the inner to the outer. The most famous example is taijiquan, where the work is done more with qi energy.
Practice. Kung Fu training requires stamina and discipline. First, exercises are given to strengthen qi and for general physical fitness. The second part of the lesson is devoted to the development of military equipment: students learn to observe the enemy and perform combat techniques. Breathing plays a decisive role. The beauty and smoothness of movements indicate that a person knows how to breathe correctly; it is by them that one can judge the state of mind of the enemy. People who come just to learn how to fight are often frustrated – it will take more than one year before you are put in real sparring.
Benefits for the body. Kung Fu is practiced to improve health and be able to protect oneself, including from diseases. Each series of movements stimulates qi energy, normalizing the functioning of internal organs, which in turn leads to strengthening the body’s immune system.
Benefit for the soul. Classes temper the will and teach patience. To perform the exercises, the student must put in a lot of effort, be respectful of his body, and be aware of his limits. “Every style requires discipline,” explains Valery Rosvirov, “knowing oneself through overcoming one’s own limitations.”
Number of classes. Two or three lessons per week. Ideally, you need to practice daily in the center or at home.
Where to find
- Center of Chinese martial arts “Golden Dragon”, Moscow, Tsvetnoy Boulevard, 7/9, tel. (495) 920 7717, (909) 920 7717, www.kungfu-school.ru
- School “Wing Chun Kuen Kung Fu”, Moscow, Varshavskoe shosse, 125zh, www.kung-fu.ru
- Center of martial arts and health practices “Musubi”, St. Petersburg, st. Chapaeva, 5, BC “City Center”, t. (812) 332 1053.
Indian martial art: kalari payattu
Origin. According to the mythology of ancient India, the art of kalari-payattu was given to people by Shiva more than 5000 years ago. The keepers of these skills were several families, knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. Today, the state of Kerala is considered the mecca of this ancient Indian martial art. There are two styles in Kalari Payattu: the southern one, whose representatives fight with weapons in their hands, and the northern one, whose supporters prefer hand-to-hand combat.
Философия. Kalari payattu is the path of a warrior, where the main victory is over internal enemies: our negative qualities, thoughts and desires. The main task is to teach a person to live in harmony with the environment and help him find harmony in body and spirit. “Kalari payattu allows a person to be both a warrior and a medicine man,” explains teacher Binoy Palail Abram. “Each of us can be compared to a river: at first it flows slowly and leisurely (movement), and then it turns into a powerful seething stream (energy).” And this martial art also teaches us to adequately perceive our aggression and the aggression of the enemy – this becomes possible thanks to a positive mental attitude.
Practice. The techniques of this martial art are a kind of dynamic yoga. All movements are performed in dynamics, in combination with breathing. Jumping is the trademark of this discipline. The skill is honed by performing a variety of exercises, which include leg movements, standing in poses that mimic the postures of animals. And only at the last stage of training, students will be entrusted with bamboo sticks, special short sticks, daggers or swords.
Benefits for the body. This art is very popular with women. “In kalari, girls become stronger, more flexible, more resilient,” says Alexander Belosludtsev, master of kalari payattu. “But at the same time, they do not lose their femininity, on the contrary.” In addition, you need to understand herbs, oils and other Vedic disciplines – this helps to improve health and fitness.
Benefit for the soul. Kalari payattu practices are not only good for the body, but train the concentration of the mind – in this sense they are very close to yoga. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to let off steam, on the other hand, the development of patience and discipline.
Number of classes. In India, followers of this path practice every day at dawn. For starters, it is worth attending classes two to three times a week and doing a little at home, and this practice will become a natural part of life.
Where to find
- Seminars and classes of kalari payattu in Moscow and St. Petersburg: www.kalari.ru
- Sports club “Elements”, St. Petersburg, KIM ave., 28, t. (812) 498 8959.
Fusion technique: tai-bo
Origin. Tai-bo has existed for about three decades: it was founded by the American Billy Blanks, a seven-time world karate champion. This is a combination of martial arts, boxing and dance techniques to work out the whole body.
Философия. Classes are primarily designed to bring joy and pleasure. There are many choreographic elements that develop plasticity and coordination, and exercises aimed at strengthening the cardiovascular system. Classes are held to the music, and the lesson is more like a sports and music show, the sole purpose of which is to keep the body in good shape.
Practice. Each lesson is divided into three parts: 1) warming up the joints, stretching, 2) dynamic exercises, 3) strength exercises. Although the general scheme of the lesson is the same everywhere, each teacher has his own specifics. If your coach came to tai-bo from martial arts, then there will certainly be more power loads and elements of martial arts, but if from dances – more rhythmic movements. “The whole lesson you are on the move,” explains Andrey Ilyin, tai-bo instructor. – The loads are serious, so I allow beginners to mess around a bit … After the first classes, they barely crawl out of the gym. Gradually, the body gets used to the pace of training. There are no punching bags in the hall, no opponent on which you can work out the blows. All enemies here are virtual. And each participant wants to be like an actor or actress who easily performs the most complex elements on the screen, for example, Uma Thurman in Tarantino’s Kill Bill.
Benefits for the body. Martial arts and boxing develop strength, coordination, endurance, and rhythmic dance movements – coordination and give a good load to the cardiovascular system.
Benefit for the soul. Unlike kung fu and kalari payattu, which involve a long learning curve, tai bo is primarily a game, which is nevertheless quite enough to release negative emotions, increase self-confidence and relieve stress.
Number of classes. Once or twice a week, while you can learn the choreographic elements after a month of classes. And as for the figure, the results are noticeable almost in a week.
Where to find
“Planet Fitness” Moscow, st. M. Dmitrovka, 6, t. (495) 933 1124, 299 7353, 209 3892. Robespierre, 12, tel. (812) 275 1384, 275 6201.