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Martial Arts: Movie Madness or Map to Self-esteem?By KRISTEN STERNBERG | NIE Educational Consultant Martial art movies are packed with action, and the magical, high-tech, special effects sequences that are impossible in real life seem to add even more excitement. The fight choreography (pattern of movements) of highly trained and disciplined martial arts films can be spectacular! Check out this review of the recent film, "Iron Monkey," from The Daytona Beach News-Journal, for some neat descriptions of martial arts action. While moviegoers may enjoy (or even imagine themselves as) talented, martial arts film stars, the flashy battle techniques they see are not often called into use.
Some martial arts are thousands of years old, including the Japanese Judo and Jujitsu, the Korean Tae Kwon Do and China's Kung Fu and Tai Chi. New arts are developed, though, with each new generation. Hapkido is one example. The first martial artists developed their skills for use on the battlefield. Today, students may learn techniques for self-defense and self-improvement. Most understand, however, that they will use their knowledge and skills only in a life-threatening situation. While martial arts movies tend to glamorize the battle sequences, in reality not all martial arts involve violence. Many focus on meditation or on nonviolent self-defense, for instance. Most are disciplines through which followers explore their physical and mental boundaries. For serious students, the martial arts are not a hobby but a way of life. Although each discipline has its own philosophy, most stress strength-building, not only physical strength but also mental. Students learn to focus on specific goals, and build self-confidence as they achieve these goals. They learn coordination, self-control and endurance, in addition to self-defense techniques. As with many sports, disciples develop physical strength and strive to achieve their personal best. Where do people get opportunities to watch or practice martial arts? Most communities have one or more martial arts schools, or perhaps community centers such as the YMCA, where some of the more popular disciplines are taught. Lessons can often lead to participating in competitions, as tournaments become increasingly popular. Martial arts tournaments offer great opportunities for both competitors and spectators. Take a look at an interesting article about students from a local martial arts school. They recently traveled to Korea to compete! While martial arts students typically enjoy positive benefits from their chosen discipline, keep in mind that martial arts may not be to everybody's taste. Many instructors stress that martial arts require a different sort of commitment than pastimes like bowling or checkers, for instance. Whether you're happier taking Tae Kwon Do lessons or simply sitting back and watching every Kung Fu movie ever released, though, why not check out the newspaper activities and Web links below to learn more about the martial arts? Try these interesting activities using The Daytona Beach News-Journal1. Many martial arts originated in Japan, China and Korea. Search current issues of The News-Journal to find and read stories about those countries. Use a map to locate the source of each story you found. (Sunshine State Standards LA.A.1.2.1, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.8, SS.B.1.2.1, SS.B.1.2.5) 2. Most of the martial arts practiced today developed in Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Another area in which Asia has greatly influenced American culture is in the foods we eat. Search The News-Journal for an article, ad or recipe, etc. that reflects that influence. If possible, arrange to visit an Asian restaurant or prepare an Asian dish at home with your family. (Sunshine State Standards FL.B.1.2.3, FL.D.2.2.1, FL.D.2.2.3) 3. Movies featuring martial arts are shown frequently at movie theaters and on TV. Check The News-Journal's Entertainment and "Go-Do" sections, or the TV listings, to see what's playing. Arrange with friends or family members to see a film of your choice. Read one or two movie reviews from The News-Journal and write a similar one on the film you saw. (Sunshine State Standards LA.A.1.2.2, LA.B.2.2.1, TH.C.1.2.1, TH.C.1.2.3) 4. What do the martial arts mean to you? Skim recent issues of The News-Journal to find words and pictures that describe various aspects of martial arts. Clip your findings and create a collage to inspire your friends. (Sunshine State Standards LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.8) 5. To some, martial arts are a form of exercise. There are many kinds of exercise. Look through a current issue of The News-Journal and list the different kinds of physical exercise you see or read about people doing. Rank the activities on your list in order from the most to the least strenuous. Draw a picture of yourself doing your favorite form of exercise. (Sunshine State Standards HE.A.1.2.2, HE.A.2.2.5, HE.B.1.2.4, HE.B.3.2.7, HE.C.1.2.4, PE.A.2.2.2, PE.A.3.2.2, PE.A.3.2.3, PE.C.1.2.1, PE.C.1.2.2) A copy of Florida's Sunshine State Standards can be found at intech2000.miamisci.org/. Check out these links to learn moreFollow the links for Martial Arts of the rich and famous, see if you can learn what styles your favorite film and TV stars practice. Here are links to Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, David Carradine, and Chow Yun-Fat. Discover martial arts history and weapons and find just about any movie or TV show on that theme at this site filled with fascinating martial arts articles and discussions. www.jadedragon.com No matter what your level of experience, be sure to visit this site called "Martial Arts for Rookies." Find a martial arts dictionary, along with a list of related books and pages of weapons illustrations. Learn a Karate punch or the Tae Kwon Do Side Kick while reading about some little-known martial arts. www.cbc4kids.ca Find The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. Visit the site and check some of them out to see if they have recently published any articles about martial arts or related topics. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries. The Daytona Beach News-Journal NIE Program, published March 18, 2002 |
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