The history of Yoga goes back five-thousand years. Not generally considered a martial art, the similarities are undeniable. Yoga is the practice of poses or postures (i.e. forms in martial arts), the movement from one posture to another with Focus on the body movements through each posture. Yoga also places a strong emphasis on breathing. Every movement is choreographed with the control of your breathing. Each movement is overlaid with either breathing in or breathing out, until breathing and movement become one. Concentration, Control, Balance and Centeredness are the goals and the rewards of dedicated Yoga practice.

While Yoga is an excellent form of physical conditioning, and has many health benefits, as with other martial arts, there are metaphysical and Spiritual components to Yoga. (Although one can practice the physical exercises without delving into the philosophical or spiritual aspects. And the same can be said of any martial arts practice.) Energy is drawn into the body through Breath. Breath merges into one with the life force. Life Force flows through and fills the Heart Chakra restoring the oneness and balance with all.

Yoga teaches a deep respect for and sensitivity with everything and everyone. Respect for all that is creates the space for one's own Centeredness and, in turn, allows one to become Grounded in one's Self. A fundamental nature of Kimness. Yoga can be considered meditation with movement. Because Yoga requires concentration on posture/poses and controlled movement it is an excellent tool for building both physical and mental Focus. The Focus of Kimness required to meet your own life expectations and goals.

Beginner's style Yoga can be practiced by almost anyone, young and old alike. While advanced styles require gymnastic level balance and strength, as with other forms of marital arts, there are different styles of Yoga. Different schools will teach different types of poses and movements as well as have a different emphasis (or non at all) on the spiritual/metaphysical aspects of Yoga depending on the teacher.

Start Yoga today. (if you have the FitTV channel.) "Namaste Yoga" as taught by Kate Potter. An outstanding class taught by one Canada's leading Yoga instructors.

Kung Fu can be segregated into an external Focus discipline and an internal Focus. Masters such as Kim Possible balance both internal and external for the most effective style. Now as with Yoga, there is a physical aspect to Kung Fu, body movement and fighting styles, and there is also an Spiritual aspect. While the external and physical aspects of Kung Fu are essentially inseparable, there is a difference between the Spiritual enlightenment which can be sought and the internal aspect of this martial art form. The internal aspect of Kung Fu uses Chi (spiritual energy or life force) is used to increase the effectiveness of the external physical action. This increase in the power of physical action explains why petite teenage Cheerleader Kim Possible can throw evil villains' henchmen, who are over twice Her size, across a room. Internal can also be equated with soft style which is used to redirect outside force rather than meeting it head on.

Kung Fu is a tool that can be used as the framework to build a successful and happy life. Some estimates have the number of Kung Fu styles at three-hundred. Remember Kung Fu simply means skills and does not refer to one particular style or discipline. Originally styles were based offensive and defensive postures of animals.

Tiger Kung Fu

Mantis Kung Fu

Snake Kung Fu

Crane Kung Fu

Dragon Kung Fu

Monkey Kung Fu (Tai Shing Pek Kwar)

additional resource: Some practical hints when you are ready to develop Kung Fu as an aspect of your Kimness.

Originated in Korea, Tae Kwon-Do is a martial art form that provided unarmed combat armies capable of defending feudal kingships. Tae Kwon-Do is an intense style of martial arts that utilizes powerful accurate strikes to subdue an opponent. Despite the intensity of the style, it is practiced not only by men but also by women.

While there is less of an emphasis on the development of spirituality, as with other styles, Tae Kwon-Do requires a strong moral character with a dedication to ethical behavior. Personal Honor, a respect for others and the courage to face adversity are practical teachings that the student can expect, and that are demanded of the student. Betterment of one's Self as well as concern for Family, community and world are the cornerstones of the Tae Kwon-Do philosophy.

Unlike Kung Fu, having a multitude of styles, Tae Kwon-Do is standardized, with only minor variations across schools. The forms you learn in one school can be transferred and utilized in another. If you are working to achieve a belt in one school, you will be at the same level if you transfer to another. (Once you prove yourself.) Sessions are standardized as well. Starting with an offering of respect, warm-up, stretching and then exercises/forms based on your level of achievement.

Stretching and warm up are essential to flexibility and a part of every session. Having the body properly limber and warmed up is another example of the practical thread that permeates all Tae Kwon-Do teaching.

Stances are emphasized in Tae Kwon-Do teaching. The stance is central to any kicks, punches or throws. Correct balance and being properly Grounded are essential to having the proper stance in order to complete any pattern and ensure the effectiveness of any kick or punch.

Again the advantage to Tae Kwon-Do is the standardization and consistency. Patterns no matter where in the world the student seeks instruction will be consistent.

Along with the improved Health, Mental Concentration, Focus and Confidence that being able to perform the complex patterns will instill, the ethical teachings of Tae Kwon-Do will develop a Humble regard for the world around you. These are the rewards for dedicated practice of Tae Kwon-Do. These essential aspects of Kimness will help you to achieve your life goals no matter which field of endeavor you choose to pursue.

additional resource: "Beginner Tae Kwon-Do" Turtle Press (DVD)

Whereas other martial arts Focus on the perfecting the physical and then integrating the spiritual; The Chinese founded martial art Tai Chi (or T'ai Chi Ch'uan or Taijiquan) works to develop both at the same time. Tai Chi ultimately places more of an emphasis on the development of personal awareness of and mastery of Chi energy. Tai Chi can be described as meditation and a spiritual philosophy in motion. Tai Chi was born of and integrates many Taoist principles. As with other martial arts, Tai Chi has different schools which can be grouped into old and new schools or "frames". Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan is the original frame from which all other styles of Tai Chi were developed .

Chi is the energy that permeates all things including the human body. One objective of Tai Chi is to normalize the flow and increase the flow of Chi throughout the body. The key is balance and Centeredness with control and a conscious effort to feel the "flow" of Chi within the body. Tai Chi can be considered an Energy Exercise.

The popularity of Tai Chi in western cultures has grown tremendously. It is especially popular with seniors who want to improve or maintain optimal health. Many medical studies and research has been done on the benefits of regular Tai Chi practice on such common maladies as arthritis, for instance. American Universities now offer credited courses on Tai Chi.

Different styles of Tai Chi include: Chen Style [also], Yang Style, Sun Style, Wu Style, Taoist Tai Chi [also]. Training is composed of learning either short or long forms. Short forms can have as few as eight (or less) postures (and the movements between the postures). Long forms can include up to forty-eight or more postures. What is common to all is a smooth graceful movement through out the form.

While it is generally believed that Tai Chi was originally developed as an exercise for monks, Tai Chi also includes styles that are used for self defense and combat. Two differences between other forms of martial arts and Tai Chi are the speed of the movements and two, rather than meeting force with force, the offensive strikes of the opponent are met "softly" and redirected using the least amount of required force. (Kimness always uses the least amount of force required to redirect bad behavior.) This is the principle of soft over coming hard. In this way, Tai Chi can be the ultimate "stealth" martial art.

additional resource: Cloud Water offers free Tai Chi information and an introductory course for signing up on their mailing list. While the news letter will include products for sale, the information in the news letter provides good information on Tai Chi . The member's area which is also free when you sign up, includes a beginners course on Tai Chi, and a good start.

additional resource: A wide selection of DVDs (Most in Chinese with English subtitles.)