Xtreme Martial Arts
 |
| Also known as | XMA |
|---|---|
| Focus | Hybrid |
| Country of origin |  USA |
| Creator | Michael Chaturantabut[1] |
| Famous practitioners | Matt Mullins, Leo Howard[2], Taylor Lautner |
| Parenthood | Karate, Taekwondo, gymnastics, acrobatics, Capoeria and many other martial arts |
| Olympic sport | No |
| Official website | XMA official website |
Extreme Martial Arts, often referred to by the brand name XMA, is a sport that combines elements from martial arts, acrobatics, and gymnastics,[3] with an emphasis on showmanship.[4][5]
The concept of "tricking" or adding gymnastics-like tumbling moves is not new, and some traditional martial arts use the acrobatic moves of XMA (e.g. butterfly, double leg, 540) as key components of their art. XMA makes these exhibition moves the focus of the sport. It is a melting pot of many other philosophies and styles of training acrobatics, derived from many other martial arts' training methods. Open hand and weapons choreography are often accompanied by dramatic dance or programmatic music. The goal is to command the attention of the audience.[6]
Techniques
Many of the moves are high flying aerial acrobatic maneuvers. These stunning movements attain the goal of capturing the crowd, improving physical agility, balance, strength, coordination, and endurance, as well as performing an artistic display of talent.[7]
There are also many basic moves that can be specialized to be more acrobatic, flashy, and artistic so as to give the impression of complexity and difficulty for showmanship purposes. It is for this reason that even the basic athlete or beginner can learn the progression from basic moves to highly complex acrobatic sequences.[6]
Controversies
Some traditional martial artists have criticized XMA for its focus on exhibition and lack of emphasis on effective self-defense. Specifics include criticism of the use of brightly colored costumes over traditional colors, the use of lighter weapons, and a lack of emphasis on striking power. Similarly, XMA is criticized for not following traditional martial arts styles (having no singular history or style of its own), and not conforming to any known practices currently.
Some practitioners of martial arts tricks and acrobatics object to the brand name XMA being applied to their sport.
Many martial artists, and practitioners of XMA bring up the popular debate of whether XMA is an independent style of martial art.[8]
Locations
Currently there are schools of martial arts or similar XMA styles based in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[6]
In popular media
- 1985 motion picture Gymkata.
See also
References
- ^ "Extreme Knight". Otaku USA. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ "Leo Howard: From the Mats to the Movies". Bleach Report. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
- ^ Yates, Keith D. (2008). The Complete Guide to American Karate & Tae Kwon Do. Blue Snake Books. p. 190. ISBN 1583942157.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Can Xtreme Martial Arts Make You a Better Martial Artist? Part 1 of 2". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ "Can Xtreme Martial Arts Make You a Better Martial Artist? Part 2 of 2". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ a b c "XMA News". XMA Revolution (2006). Retrieved on 10 July 2009. http://www.xmarevolution.com/XMANews/tabid/56/articleid/65/Default.aspx
- ^ "Matt Mullins: The New KAMEN RIDER". Kung Fu Magazine. Retrieved 2010-02-06.
- ^ "Extreme martial arts on the verge of mainstream invasion". College News. Retrieved 2010-02-06.