The Right Move To Wellness

Crush your fitness goals while learning how to protect yourself. Self-defence can help you get fit! History, spirituality and health come together in MARTIAL ARTS, along with learning all about holistic wellness. Citadel discovers more about it.

- Protima Tiwary

What started off as self-defence slowly moulded its way into world history as one of the most effective fitness routines. We dived into the history of martial arts as a new fitness trend, and were amazed to see how a workout incorporates history, culture, tradition, self-defence and health in such a balanced manner. After all, if one just has to get fit, normal gyms would do. But here, it is not just about safeguarding oneself, but also being healthy on the side.

The roots of martial arts can be traced back to Asia, where once upon a time it was used for combat and self-defence. There is evidence in history that proves that this form of combat was used as early as the 3rd Century BC. New techniques sprang up in China, Japan, India and other parts of Asia, and slowly, each form of martial art developed its own discipline, complete with a history and story.

Martial arts began shaping world events too, with the likes of Bodhidharma of India, Gichin Funakoshi of Okinawa and Bruce Lee of Hong Kong emerging slowly. Bodhidharma, Gichin Funakoshi and Bruce Lee helped spread the popularity of martial arts globally. Bodhidharma was the founder of Kung Fu and highlighted the spiritual aspects of the martial art form, while Gichin Funakoshi refined and popularized Karate, and Bruce Lee was responsible of introducing martial arts as a fi tness routine to the modern world.

THE LEGACY OF MARTIAL ARTS

Martial arts in China evolved into what is today known as Kung Fu, a holistic practice that trains the body and mind. Kalaripayattu from India involved agility, fitness and the body’s energy. The Shaolin Kung Fu was introduced as Kalaripayattu to China through Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who had been trained in the military arts, when he went to live with the Shaolin monks, and realised they lacked physical strength and stamina.