Tae Bo is a body fitness system that incorporates martial arts techniques, such as kicks and punches, which became popular in the 1990s. It was developed by American taekwondo practitioner Billy Blanks. [1] Such programs use the motions of martial arts at a rapid pace designed to promote fitness. [2]
The name Tae Bo is a portmanteau of taekwondo and boxing. [3] [4] [5]
Billy Blanks developed the routine in 1976 by combining dance with elements from his martial arts and boxing training to form a workout regimen. [1] During the 1990s, a series of videos was mass-marketed to the public; by 1999, an estimated 1.5 million sets of videos had been sold by frequently-aired television infomercials. [6] As a result, Tae Bo became something of a pop culture phenomenon in the late 1990s. Gyms began offering kickboxing-based fitness classes similar to Tae Bo. Since Blanks had obtained a trademark on the name they were not allowed to use the term Tae Bo without paying a licensing fee. [1] Tae Bo videos and DVDs continue to rank among the top sellers in the fitness genre[ citation needed ] and derivative classes are still offered at many gyms. [2]
Tae Bo classes are taught worldwide.[ citation needed ] It includes many of the same punches and kicks as karate, but is not intended for fighting — it was not meant for any combat or self-defense activities.[ citation needed ] There are no throws, grappling moves, or ground fighting techniques in Tae Bo. Its only intent is to increase fitness through movement. It also includes aerobic exercises intended to strengthen all muscles of the body with basic choreography. The high-intensity workout is intended to increase cardiovascular fitness, strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.[ citation needed ]
Tae Bo has been characterized as an excellent cardiovascular workout with very good distractions.[ further explanation needed ] [7] [ better source needed ]
Due to the movements it involves, Tae Bo is effective in toning and defining the body's musculature. It can also improve one's balance, flexibility, and coordination. According to Blanks, the cardiovascular benefits are a result of the dance moves added to the already high-energy workout. [8] [ better source needed ] An hour-long Tae Bo workout will burn 500 to 800 calories, compared with the 300 to 400 calories burned with a more conventional aerobics class. [7]
Kickboxing is a full-contact combat sport and a form of boxing based on punching and kicking. The fight takes place in a boxing ring, normally with boxing gloves, mouth guards, shorts, and bare feet to favor the use of kicks. Kickboxing is practiced for self-defense, general fitness, or for competition. Some styles of kickboxing include: Karate, Muay Thai, Japanese kickboxing, Lethwei, Sanda, and Savate.
Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural heritage.
Taekwondo, Tae Kwon Do or Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art involving punching and kicking techniques, with emphasis on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The literal translation for Taekwondo is "kicking", "punching", and "the art or way of". They are a kind of martial art in which one attacks or defends with hands and feet anytime or anywhere, with occasional use of weapons. The physical training undertaken in Taekwondo is purposeful and fosters strength of mind through mental armament.
Boxing training is the training method that boxers use in order to get more fit for their sport.
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Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world. The first documented use of the term mixed martial arts was in a review of UFC 1 by television critic Howard Rosenberg in 1993.
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A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is used in most martial arts and combat sports, most notably western boxing, where it is the only type of offensive technique allowed. In sports, hand wraps or other padding such as gloves may be used to protect athletes and practitioners from injuring themselves.
William Wayne Blanks is an American actor, martial artist and fitness personality. He was a nationally-ranked competitor in semi-contact and point karate during the 1980s, winning a Bronze medal at the 1981 World Games, before creating the Tae Bo exercise program.
A strike is a directed physical attack with either a part of the human body or with an inanimate object intended to cause blunt trauma or penetrating trauma upon an opponent.
Taekkyon,Taekgyeon, Taekkyeon, or Taekyun is a traditional Korean martial art.
Shadowboxing is a combat sport exercise in which a person throws punches at the air as though there is an opponent. Practised primarily in boxing, it is used mainly to prepare the muscles before the person training engages in stronger physical activity. Muhammad Ali once performed a now famous shadowboxing routine next to Howard Cosell for ABC's Wide World of Sports television cameras. Black Nova Scotian boxer George Dixon is widely credited for developing the technique.
In martial arts and combat sports, stand-up fighting is hand-to-hand combat between opponents in a standing position, as distinguished from ground fighting. Clinch fighting is stand-up grappling. Fighters employ striking, including striking combinations, using either body parts or mêlée weapons, to incapacitate or injure the opponent. Combatants use blocking techniques to block the opponent's attacks.
A health club is a place that houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise.
Tae Kwon Do Times is a magazine devoted to the martial art of taekwondo, and is published in the United States of America. While the title suggests that it focuses on taekwondo exclusively, the magazine also covers other Korean martial arts. Tae Kwon Do Times has published articles by a wide range of authors, including He-Young Kimm, Thomas Kurz, Scott Shaw, and Mark Van Schuyver.
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Cardiovascular fitness refers a health-related component of physical fitness that is brought about by sustained physical activity. A person's ability to deliver oxygen to the working muscles is affected by many physiological parameters, including heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and maximal oxygen consumption.
Frank Massar is a British martial artist. He currently holds the rank of 9th Dan in Taekwondo and is the founder of Massar Taekwondo Association. He has achieved six “Combat Hall of Fame Awards”, and holds several national and international competition titles. He is also featured in many magazines and books. He studied under Won Kuk Lee and also under Pak Hae Man of Chung Do Kwan. Massar received his Dan qualification directly from Kukkiwon (WTF) and graduated from Chung Do Kwan. Massar's precept is to share his knowledge of martial arts with the community at large, 'Passing on the Gift' and keeps in constant contact with various educational associations to achieve this end.
Cardio drumming is a form of exercise that utilizes drumming movements. It can be practiced by nearly all individuals and does not require drumming experience. The exercise involves using drumsticks to hit an exercise ball placed on a bucket, while listening to upbeat music. Cardio drumming can be done in nearly any location, such as at home, in a gym, or in a group class.