(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) When asking someone about martial arts, there is a high probability that their answer would describe individuals wearing special clothing, performing acts ranging from breaking objects to executing some sort of peculiar movements more akin to a dance than to an actual set of "killer" skills.
However, a deeper observation would unveil more about martial arts than what meets the eyes. Some systems focus on traditional training without competition while others do the opposite.
Martial arts was propelled to the mainstream in the 70s and 80s of the last century through movies like "enter the dragon" starring famous martial artists Bruce Lee. Like the rest of the world, Kuwait caught up with the global martial arts boom with many people seeking to train in various styles.
One of the traditional approaches to martial arts could be found in Aikido. Developed by Japanese Morihei Ueshiba early in the twentieth century, Aikido was conceived as a method to carry on the tradition of the Samurai warrior and also to protect oneself and assailants from harm using joint locks and throws.
Reflective of the peaceful ethos of Aikido, the Jin Yuu Gi Kuwaiti-affiliated Dojo (training hall) was established by late Sensei (instructor) Hiroaki Izumi (1954-2013) on the principle of promoting this art.
"Aikido is the art of peace," said senior practitioner and instructor Ahmed Zakzouk in an interview to KUNA.
On the reason why he chose Aikido, Zakzouk said that Aikido was not founded on the concept of winning as in the case of competitive martial arts.
"At this moment, we need to stop fighting and Aikido is perfect to achieve such goal," Zakzouk said, adding that this particular martial art allowed people from all backgrounds and abilities to train.
On his part, senior student Saud Al-Zaidi said that he gravitated to Aikido through late Sensei Izumi.
"I had difficulties in doing physical activities which prevented me from continuing any sort of martial arts until I met Sensei Izumi," Al-Zaidi said.
Al-Zaidi added that Sensei Izumi treated him like any other individual, a thing that encouraged him to carry on learning Aikido.
On competitive martial arts, Al-Zaidi argued that competition was a means to preserve tradition of some martial, adding that "A martial art like Kendo - Japanese fencing - came to existence as a way to preserve some aspects of Kenjutsu - the art of swordsmanship." Aikido is not only for those with no martial arts background, it also attracts people seeking a more traditional approach.
Hilmi Emad Ayyash, a former Taekwondo and Kick-boxing practitioner, said that he began studying Aikido due to his desire to step away from competitive martial arts.
Ayyash said that he started Aikido with Sensei Izumi and he had a conflict when he began due to the sudden transition to traditional training.
In contrast with Aikido's traditional approach, the ever-growing competitive style of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was established through the idea that techniques that work in the ring or the street should be practiced.
To loosely explain MMA, imagine a martial art that incorporates some skills in boxing, Karate, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Judo, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and so on.
MMA was brought to the attention of the mainstream masses with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a martial arts tournament which was held November 12, 1993 in Denver, Colorado, as a platform to pit disciplines against each other.
The UFC's beginning was brutal with fewer rules, causing some US politicians such as John McCain to deem it as "human cockfighting". Despite the initial stigma, MMA has grown worldwide and is now, a sanctioned martial art sport which attracts millions of fans and practitioners.
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency) In Kuwait, MMA found its' footing in the martial arts scene with many gyms dedicated to the art opening as well as events being held locally for its enthusiast.
One of the rising stars of MMA in Kuwait and head coach of (Team Be Water) Ahmed Al-Bossairy told KUNA that he began his involvement in MMA through his original martial art of Jeet Kune Do developed by the late Bruce Lee in 1967.
"Jeet Kune Do was conceived as a martial art that uses all that is effective," Al-Bossairy explained his MMA transition, indicating that unlike traditional marital arts, MMA encouraged an endless improvement on part of the practitioner rather than sticking to specific molds of a certain martial arts discipline.
"Considering that modern MMA events are sanctioned and rules-based, I don't see it as brutal as others might say," said Al-Bossairy, adding that the amount of injury in MMA was the same as any other competitive sport or even less.
Sharing the same enthusiasm, mixed martial artist and team member Mohammad Al-Otaibi said that he began his involvement in martial arts through practicing Karate and Kung Fu.
In 2008, Al-Otaibi started his MMA career. He said that this new path he had chosen was coinciding with what he deemed as a "revolution in martial arts".
"Like my partner Al-Bossairy, I've started my MMA career with Jeet Kune Do, but then we sought more experience in a more open method," said Al-Otaibi who indicated that MMA was truly a unique take on the concept of martial arts.
Asked if MMA was ultra-violent, Al-Otaibi said that boxing, sometimes called the "noble art", had caused more cerebellar damage and head injuries due to the fact that most strikes are targeting the head; therefore, MMA should not be accused of being brutal.
He also affirmed that MMA was not competition centric as many believe, there are people who are practicing this art for their own pleasure and to gain more experience.
With all that have been said, the fact remains that martial arts will continue to evolve in the future and whether traditional or competitive, it will always be a means to refine humans through spiritual and physical training
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