Yoga Vs. Martial arts

There are many people that practice different types of exercise that are similar to yoga, such as martial arts. In this week's blog, I will be emphasizing specifically on my reflections towards Yoga and Martial arts, their differences and their similarities. I will briefly explain Martial Arts before getting into any details.

What are Martial Arts?
According to wonderopolis.org : "Martial arts is a very broad term that encompasses many different types of activities. Often, we think of self-defense techniques developed in and associated with Asian countries. In reality, though, it includes just about any kind of fighting technique, especially those that focus on hand-to-hand (and foot!) combat."
When I was younger, I took Karate lessons which is a type of martial arts, up until the age of 9. Before perfectionism in any activity or sport you must always learn the basics. So, for about a year in those classes, I basically learned postures and simple fighting techniques. After several months, those postures and simple fighting techniques were combined to create a full combat. So, gradually these postures were more than just standing and kicking for a long period of time.

Yoga

Martial Arts

Similarities
Between Martial Arts and Yoga, I see many similarities. The one I noticed the most was management. In both these activities, I had to manage my breathing between every rep and posture. When I use to practice karate, my instructor was very strict about the way we breathe and how often we would breathe, and it was always to help the mind. Wonderopolis.org also stated that : "Martial arts require dedication and practice. Through regular repetition of hand and foot movements, kicks, blocks, and punches, martial arts students increase their physical strength and mental toughness." This is very similar to yoga, because after practicing specific types of postures regularly and frequently we start to notice the improvements on the body, such as flexibility, core strength and relaxation. Concluding that in both these activities, the change of the body takes effort and dedication.

Differences 
Many people can debate that martial arts and yoga are similar whereas others can debate they are very different. I believe they are similar however, their goals are very different. After doing so much research on yoga, I learned that the main goal is to reach relaxation of the mind, body and health, it is more of a spiritual activity that was expanded to be just an exercise. However, martial arts is more of self-defense and combat activity. Since I practiced both these activities, I can relate to both of them greatly. In Yoga we hold the same position for longer period of time, where martial arts are movements towards a partner or rivalry.

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-are-martial-arts/