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Carl Kruse DeviantArt
Various types of martial arts exist, with each of them having a unique purpose in combat. Some of these styles have been around for centuries, while others were developed in more modern times. What all of these styles have in common is they teach a form of fighting to their followers and allow these individuals to defend themselves when necessary. These martial arts are also broken down into various sections, like striking, grappling, and takedown styles, giving people the chance to learn a number of different disciplines along the way. I'm going to start looking at some which these days are arguably more in the sport arena than martial art.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the most well-known martial arts in the world because of its popularity as a sport. It is believed that boxing began in 688 BC at the Olympic Games in Greece, as records show people punching each other at that time. Boxing was also popular in Rome during the same time period, with combatants wearing primitive forms of gloves and contents often ending in death. The sport decreased in popularity after the fall of Rome until the 1700s, as it became significant in England. This popularity continued and new rules were introduced to make it into more of a sport. For example, the hitting of a downed opponent was banned, as were low blows. Eventually, the Marquess of Queensberry rules were introduced that outlined the ring, the use of gloves, and many other rules that are still used today.
Kickboxing
Full Contact Kick boxing developed from Thai-Boxing and other Martial Arts influences, the first bouts being seen in the early 1970's. These days however it seems to be lighter contact, with a large emphasis placed on light fast strikes scoring points.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai originated in Thailand sometime between 1238 and 1377, as it was prevalent during the Sukothai Era. There are a few different aspects to Muay Thai, including kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. A clinch is also used by many practitioners as a way to expose an opponent to these strikes. Gloves are used by fighters and a good kick boxer can evade different strikes in an efficient manner. This is a relatively new sport, as it was previously used for self-defense purposes, but it has become very popular in a short period of time in various places all over the world.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
One of the more popular grappling arts in the world is called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is mainly based on ground fighting, although it does incorporate takedowns. Submissions are the main weapon used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as practitioners can either choke Carl Kruse DeviantArt an opponent out or manipulate, or break, joints using pressure. This is a very effective form of self-defense because experts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are very comfortable on their backs, making it possible for them to defend themselves in a variety of different situations. The guard position is particularly effective, as it is used when trying to prevent an attacker from doing any damage to you.
Wrestling
Wrestling is often recognized as the first martial art, as its origins go back as far as human beings have existed, as cave paintings depicting the sports are as much as 15,000 years old. More modern versions of the sport have been around since around 1100 AD, which was when it began to appear in Europe. Wrestling generally involves takedowns and ground fighting, although various forms exist. Separate martial arts like Judo and Sambo are based on wrestling, as they involve throws and takedowns as well. Catch wrestling is a subsection of the sport that involves submission holds and was popular in the early days of mixed martial arts. Wrestling is also a sport in the modern Olympic Games, with Greco-Roman and freestyle forms being used. The sport remains very popular all over the world and American colleges and high schools frequently have wrestling teams compete against one another. It should be noted that despite the similar name, professional wrestling has very few similarities to amateur wrestling, as amateur wrestling is a legitimate sport.
Judo
Japanese Sport - Developed by Jigoro Kano from Ju-Jitsu, infact it was originally known as Kano Ju-Jitsu. These days it's all about competition, it's translated as the Gentle Way, though quite often the gentle side seems to be forgotten and there is a lot of strength used. A sport focussed on taking your attacker to the ground with throws or trips then rolling around trying to immobilise your opponent with locks or pins. Good for Fitness, can be good for flexibility.
Sambo
A Russian Martial Art, that has split into 3 different areas, it has a pure sport side, that whilst it has been demonstrated at the Olympic Games, has not been recognised by them. A lot of similarities to Judo. It also has a practical self-defence side as well, looking at defensive techniques, lastly it has combat Sambo utilising tecniques from both of the above as well as its own, and applying its own nasty twists.
Kickboxing
Sport, Pretty much everywhere - Full Contact Kick boxing developed from Thai-Boxing and other Martial Arts influences, the first bouts being seen in the early 1970's. These days however it seems to be lighter contact, and a big emphasis placed on light fast strikes scoring points.
Karate
Karate is an ancient martial art that involves utilizing open hand strikes, punches, elbows, kicks, and knees to gain an advantage over an opponent. Practitioners are also taught to block incoming strikes and execute proper breathing techniques in order to remain successful. In addition to striking, some forms of karate include throws and submission holds. This gives practitioners the ability to defend themselves in any position, which is the end goal of the martial art.
Ju-Jitsu
It's my favourite as you might expect, its a Japanese Martial Art, around for a long long time, hard to trace exact origins, but can be traced back to Samurai and long before. Includes everything, pretty much, punching, biting kicking, knees, eye gouge, pressure points, whatever it takes to win a fight. Striking is not something that Ju-Jitsu covers as much as some other arts, due in part to the history, this was a battlefield art, to be used when the weapons had been lost, however seeing as your opponent would usually be wearing armour,hitting them was not the best option, but throws, locks chokes, strangles all play a part. To what level or degree you are taught some of these will be determined a lot by the school that you go to. Over the last few years, and by that I mean ten to twenty there has been a growing resurgence in Ju-Jitsu, but largely focused on the sporting side, due to the huge success of people like the Gracies, but then there are those of us that like to cover all of the other bits as well, the stuff that a sports rules usually stop you learning. Essentially, if you want a good all round Martial Art, one that is highly practical, then this is a good one.
Carl Kruse Art Site
I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT ART BUT I KNOW WHAT I LIKE?
Perhaps you've gone to a gallery or art museum, looked at the artwork displayed and said to yourself, "What the heck is that? I can't understand it! Why is this here in a gallery?"
Or, maybe you've gone to a gallery or art museum and your reactions was, "Wow! Great stuff! I like this! I don't know why, but I do!"
Or, maybe you've gone to a gallery or art museum, and, after viewing the exhibits, you walk away feeling bored and disinterested. You may have said to yourself, " Why do I bother with looking at art? I never understand it. It's beyond me."
Like any other discipline, art requires the viewer to be knowledgeable about the information it presents. Sometimes we think we should just automatically understand art. After all, there it is, just hanging there on the wall and all we have to do, we think, is just look at it. But do we really SEE it? Often, our response may be, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
That is just another way of saying, "What I like is really just based on my ignorance."
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU CAN ENJOY
Liking a certain artwork is a pleasure. You have communicated with visual phenomena and really enjoyed the experience. It can be a very enriching, rewarding experience to know how and why an art form developed or have some knowledge of how and why an artist works in a particular way. More than likely, your perspective is quite limited if you have never studied art or know how it has developed in not only, our Western culture but all over the world.
What if you could gain information on the many forms of art that have been produced since humanity began, and how it developed over time to the present day? What would this kind of study mean to you? It would mean that, equipped with that knowledge, you would be able to enjoy a lot more art! Here's why.
The more you know about art and its development, the more you can enjoy looking at art! You will see much more and understand the context, content and style of the art form. And this is the basis of Art Appreciation-a study of how to expand your knowledge of the art world, past, present and future and, with that perspective, be able to communicate with the rich visual/creative world!
HOW TO BEGIN
So, how do your start gaining knowledge of this vast art world? Where do you begin?
Begin by dipping your toe into Art History. With a basic Art History 101 knowledge you will be able to see how art, as we know it, was not really a term until the science of Art History was developed in our western culture. And, when it was developed, as you can read in many art history books in the library, art has existed as long as humans have been able to pick up a stick, brush or chisel and record their lives and experiences.
There are several ways of learning how to appreciate art:
ONE -- Learn about the basics of art history. How art developed, from the Lascaux cave paintings to modern art today. Older art history books deal primarily with artistic development in Western culture. Newer books add developments in Asia, China, Russia and the mid-East. The study of Art History has, over time, become global. In learning the time lines and factors that produce new perspectives and styles in art, you will not only gain a new historical perspective, but also become acquainted with the various art forms produced over the past centuries.
TWO--Choose a certain period or style in art history and learn about it. Perhaps Impressionism interests you. Or maybe you've always wanted to know the difference between Op Art and Pop Art. Through studying the cultural impact of a certain style on a specific period in time, you can understand why that particular art form developed and appreciate the artwork in a broader context.
THREE--Take a tour of your local art museum. Museums offer a wide variety of art educational programs and tours of their exhibits. Or travel and see the actual art in its setting. There are many websites on the Internet listing global art tours and travel, often Carl Kruse Art Site by geographical location or specific art and architectural styles. On site art tours offer a unique and interesting way to travel and can give you an intimate, one on one perspective with the historical art and culture of the area. Tour groups are generally small in number and conducted by very knowledgeable guides delighted to respond to all of your questions and comments.
FOUR-Visit your local art galleries often. Galleries are supportive of their artists and gallery owners and attendants are usually quite pleased at your interest in their exhibits. They will be glad to give you information on the artists, such as whether they are local, where they have shown their work, what awards they have won, and who has purchased their artwork. Keep informed of present and future exhibits. This hands on approach, connects you closely with affordable art that is available where you live and often created by artists who live in or near your area.
DISCOVER A RICH VISUAL WORLD
Art Appreciation is as big or small a study as you want to do. Whether you want to make it an occasional outing or a serious study, whatever you choose, learning how art forms have historically developed and understanding what is on the walls in your local gallery will definitely change your perspective.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to discuss a painting on the wall in a gallery, instead of shrugging and muttering, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
Think of it. Perhaps your response would be more like, "I like the way this artist uses color in an Expressionistic style. The brushwork is so vigorous! There is a lot of energy in the composition. Also, the use of thick paint produces an interesting texture."
Carl Kruse Art Profile
Often times artists lay blame at entities such as government and businesspersons for their lack of advancing as a nation. On the other hand several factors are being discussed as the rationale for the tardiness in success for numbered Jamaican artists. As an example of aspirations for Jamaican artists, businessman and art aficionado Jamaican businessperson Wayne Chen highlights the story of 45-year-old Damien Hirst.
Wayne Chen congratulates literary artist Marguerite Orane at the launch of her book "Free and Laughing." In an unprecedented move, British Damien Hirst recently became the only artists for selling an entire show to Sotherby's worth £111 million in 2008. Thus according to Wyclopedia Dictionary, he is is claimed to be the richest known artist to date. Hirst was not born rich, without a gold spoon in his mouth. Numerous business persons in Jamaica,contrary to popular belief were not born with golden spoons in their mouth so their stories too are models of aspiration.
Wayne Chen is one among many businesspersons sharing his thoughts as a source of encouragement and challenge for Jamaican artists, in the following interview.
ANTHEA 1. How involved are you with the visual arts locally?
CHEN: I am the Chairman of the National Gallery of Jamaica and co-founder/ sponsor of the Super Plus Under 40 Artist of the year competition staged for the last 10 years in association with the Mutual Gallery. I am also the founder and sponsor of CLICK, a photography workshop and showcase for inner-city youth.
ANTHEA:. How involved are you with art globally? Do you travel specifically for art?
CHEN:I am not involved with Art globally in the way that I am locally. I visit galleries and museums whenever I travel and actively seek out new art and new movements.
ANTHEA: What are your views on the visual arts in Jamaica?
CHEN: The visual arts in Jamaica are a vital part of the bigger whole of Jamaica's unique culture. Jamaica in the area of culture is a global superpower, widely recognized Carl Kruse Art Profile for our achievements in music. I believe that Jamaican visual arts, with the proper development and exposure, can be another area of excellence for Jamaica. There is a wealth of natural talent, that efficiently mobilized, can play a major role in our country's development.
ANTHEA: Does the National Gallery achieve its main objectives?
CHEN: The National Gallery of Jamaica's mission is: "To collect, research, document and preserve Jamaican, other Caribbean Art and related material and to promote our artistic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations."
I believe that despite the very limited, and diminishing, financial and human resources available, the NGJ has over the years managed to create and maintain a very high standard in terms of its collections, exhibitions, contribution to scholarship, and general advancement of Jamaica's visual arts. In recent years we have worked hard to strengthen governance, communicate better with our various stakeholders, and boost attendance. We have seen significant successes in all these areas.
ANTHEA: How do you view the role of the art educator?
CHEN: Art education takes place at many levels. In the formal institutions of learning, the art educator should teach the technical skills required to articulate an individual's vision, but even more important, should stimulate the lifelong thirst for knowledge and enlightenment that continuously broadens the mind.
In the public sphere, the art educator, and I include journalists and critics, should actively discuss, analyze, and encourage art and artists to broaden and deepen the general knowledge of art.
