July 2023 Martial Arts Archive

When you hear the term martial arts, a collection of combat disciplines that blend technique, philosophy, and physical conditioning, you probably picture flashy kicks or precise throws. Also known as budo, martial arts cover everything from gentle flowing forms to high‑impact strikes. This archive pulls together posts that break down those very ideas, giving you a snapshot of what we talked about in July.

One of the core sub‑disciplines we focus on is Aikido, a Japanese art that emphasizes blending with an opponent’s energy rather than meeting force with force. Aikido’s philosophy of harmony shows up in questions about how many moves exist and where to train, especially when readers ask about classes outside the UK, like in Bangalore. The answer? Aikido schools pop up worldwide, each teaching a core set of about 20 fundamental techniques that can be combined in countless ways.

Another topic that sparked curiosity is daggers, short, pointed blades historically used for hunting, self‑defense, and ceremonial purposes. While they aren’t a core part of Aikido training, understanding daggers helps us see how weapons shape broader combat styles. A dagger’s compact size makes it a practical tool in close‑quarters scenarios, and its presence in cultural rituals reminds us that many martial arts grew out of real‑world needs.

We also compared the big picture of several striking and grappling systems. Karate, a discipline focused on linear punches, kicks, and blocks thrives on speed and power. Its sister art, Judo, a sport built around throws, pins, and leverage, demonstrates how physics can turn an opponent’s momentum against them. Both arts sit under the larger umbrella of martial arts, illustrating how different techniques cater to varied body types, goals, and training environments.

What you’ll discover in this July collection

The posts below give you a quick tour of the questions we answered last month. First, we laid out the major differences between karate’s striking focus, judo’s grappling emphasis, kung fu’s fluid versatility, and taekwondo’s soaring kicks. Next, we dived into the practical side of daggers, highlighting their roles in hunting, self‑defense, and cultural ceremonies. Then, we answered a specific request for Aikido classes in Bangalore, pointing out a few reputable dojos and what you can expect from a typical class. Finally, we tackled the common myth that Aikido has a fixed number of moves, explaining why the art is more about adaptable principles than a static technique list.

Each article is written in a conversational tone, so you can skim for the facts you need or read the whole thing for deeper context. Whether you’re a beginner curious about which martial art fits your style, a hobbyist looking into weapon history, or a traveler searching for a local Aikido dojo, the July archive gives you clear, actionable info without the fluff.

Ready to dive into the details? Scroll down to see the individual posts, each packed with straightforward answers and practical tips you can try right away.

29
Jul
What's the difference between the major forms of martial arts?
Sports & Fitness

What's the difference between the major forms of martial arts?

Alright folks, let's dive headfirst into the whirlwind world of martial arts! So, you've got karate, with its focus on striking techniques, punches, knee strikes – kind of like a high-speed game of rock, paper, scissors, but with more grunting. Then there's judo, which is all about throws and pins, basically the artful way of saying "not today, pal" through an elegant body slam. Now, let's shimmy over to kung fu, a style so versatile it's got more moves than a chess grandmaster on a caffeine high. Lastly, we have taekwondo, famous for its high-flying kicks and spins, perfect for those who've always dreamed of being a human helicopter. There you have it, a whirlwind tour of martial arts, delivering more kicks than a mule on a sugar rush!

Caspian Fothergill
26
Jul
What are daggers used for?
Weapons and Warfare History

What are daggers used for?

On my exploration into the world of daggers, I've discovered that these short, pointed knives have multitude of uses. They're often used in hunting, self-defense, and sometimes as utilitarian tools. Daggers are also significant in various cultural rituals and ceremonies across the globe. Additionally, they hold a place of prominence in the world of art and antiques, appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value. Who would've thought that such a small tool could have so many incredible roles?

Caspian Fothergill
22
Jul
Do you know of any Aikido classes in Bangalore?
Martial Arts & Fitness

Do you know of any Aikido classes in Bangalore?

In my search for Aikido classes, I've found several options available in Bangalore. From dedicated Aikido schools to classes offered within larger martial arts centres, there's a range of choices for beginners to advanced practitioners. Some of these include the Bangalore Aikido Academy, the Aikido of Bangalore dojo, and the Aikiyam Aikido school. The instructors at these establishments are highly trained and dedicated to teaching this unique martial art. So, if you're in Bangalore and have an interest in Aikido, there's definitely a place for you to practice and learn.

Caspian Fothergill
19
Jul
How many moves are there in Aikido?
Martial Arts & Self Defense

How many moves are there in Aikido?

In my exploration of Aikido, a fascinating Japanese martial art, I learned that there isn't a definitive count of the number of moves. It's a fluid and versatile discipline that comprises a wide array of techniques. These include throws and joint locks, which can vary greatly based on the approach and style of the practitioner. However, most schools of Aikido tend to focus on a core set of around 20 basic techniques. Each of these can be executed with slight modifications, making the total number of moves virtually limitless.

Caspian Fothergill