graphic by Sil
Martial arts, especially in the United States, have been dominated by young adult men and few women. More and more, martial arts are attracting the female gender. For women, the key to a rewarding martial arts experience is to find, specifically, a female-friendly school where gender is not an issue. You need to find a school with a positive attitude that encourages you no matter how long it may take you to achieve your goals.
There are many reasons for women to take up martial arts. Self-defense is one great reason. You can choose between Aikido,karate, or judo. I prefer Tae-Kwon-Do because I enjoy kicking as well as punching. Personally, I love the idea of taking a guy down while sparring when he least expects it.
Martial Arts and Bodybuilding go hand in
hand. While pumping iron will make you strong, the martial arts will keep you flexible, work your cardio-fitness and
enable you to defend yourself. It is the perfect combination. Martial arts helps you to develop self confidence.
Bruce Lee was in such great shape because of his martial arts that if he
ever decided to compete in bodybuilding he would have taken first place.
My fascination with bodybuilding and martial arts is extreme and so I did some
research on the different kinds of dojos around the Manhattan area, again I was
partial to the Tae-Kwon-Do, and found some interesting places all around town.
In my travels though there is one in particular that sticks out in my head
that is the International Martial Arts Center.
International Martial Arts Center
Location: 4 West 18th Street, New York, New York 212-242-5759
International Martial Arts Center is unique amongst organizations which teach the martial arts. IMAC unifies different styles of martial arts and teaches them in accordance
within each individual's strengths. At IMAC they teach Tae Kwon Do as the main art but incorporate techniques from other oriental arts to develop a complete martial arts system.
Master Hahn of IMAC
Master Andrew Hahn holds a 6th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon
Do and a 6th degree Black Belt in Aikido. He possesses 23 years
of teaching experience including instructing law enforcement
officers; he was the Director of the Rape Prevention Program at the
University of Pittsburgh and has had his own cable television
program in both Pittsburgh and New York.
