Exercise - Free Fitness Library
Puma Kick - an introduction
The practice of marital arts dates back many thousands of years, it has been used in it's various forms to train armies, to discipline the young, to heal and to protect.
The modern day attitude to martial arts within the fitness industry is one of scepticism which is correctly fuelled by some of the bad teaching practices and outdated modes of training which occur widely in all forms of fitness training.
There is presently a greater acceptance in the medical world of alternative health therapies which have roots dating back to the same historical period and regions that martial arts were evolved from. It is along this vein of thought and acceptance that the principles of Puma Kick have been developed.
All the movements that one sees in a Puma Kick choreography sequence (with the exception of some aerobic friendly transitions and footwork) come from a modern(ish) day martial art called Tae Kwon Do. this art form has it's origins deeply rooted in Korean history and was given the name Tae Kwon Do in 1955 meaning TAE (foot) KWON (fist) DO (art).
The art is an art of self defence which aims at a noble moral rearmament, high degree of intellectual achievement, graceful techniques and beauty of physical form.
Even in its early days of western practice, the emphasis was on the benefits to both mind and body 'Tae Kwon Do's high repetition, low resistance movements develop a longer, leaner and more flexible musculature. Such muscles have more of their areas close to blood supply routes, thus producing maximum endurance and well being'.
It is commonly accepted that during cardiovascular training increased effect will be gained from working larger muscle groups. The basic kicks that have been extracted from the martial art require a greater knee lift than normally required in a standard class and coupled with correct flexibility exercises and an adherence to good technique can provide a higher intensity workout.
The arm movements during the choreography will take the form of either a series of movements that are used in martial arts to repel an assailant or a pre-arranged sequence of movements to challenge motor fitness and increase breathing awareness - some movements in the form of kick or hand attacks will contain a verbal exhalation. The original purpose of this was to tense the lower abdomen against possible counter attack and to protect the spine from injury caused by the over exertion of the body whilst delivering it's attack. The principles behind this are also used by weight lifters to equalise the pressure increase in the thorax which may result from their lifting exertions and possibly damage internal organs, if completed properly it may also aid in lung capacity enhancement. Taking the non related topics out the 'shout' should be encouraged from both a physical and enjoyment level.
It must be stressed that the Puma Kick classes have been developed
as an Aerobic type class with a martial art element; the choreography
is not designed to teach participants to defend themselves, for that
they should consult self defence organisations for details. For the
instructor the aim is to offer alternatives in classes, choreography
or a complete class package to encourage new participants.