Traditional Martial Arts
The most respected traditional martial arts have a demonstrated history of achieving real holistic fitness benefits. There are two main reasons why they are so effective. First, the practice of these arts requires the development of multiple aspects of physical fitness (e.g. aerobic; strength of various kinds; flexibility; and coordination). Secondly, they need and help enhance qualities
of the mind and spirit (e.g. calmness; determination; focus; realistic self-confidence).

Essentially, traditional martial arts are those that seek to retain the original techniques, ethics (principles) and spirit of their particular system. They usually teach the importance of values such as humility, mutual respect, self-discipline and a life-long view of learning and development. In general, these arts also stress that physical techniques should never be used to initiate conflict. Rather they should only be called on to defend against dangerous physical
attack, and only if there is no other option.

The best traditional martial arts are also highly realistic. In other words they develop techniques that are known to be effective (and possible) in real- life scenarios. Many of the more commercial and sport-focused ‘martial arts’ either neglect ethical principles and/or teach techniques and attitudes that are unrealistic or even dangerous (for the practitioner) in real-life situations
that require self-defence. We believe that traditional martial principles and being realistic, when learning about self-defence, are both very important.

At Bay Holistic Fitness your training is based on modern exercise science, but it is also shaped by highly respected traditional martial arts. The two strongest influences are Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu (China) and Shidokan Karate (Japan).