Men's Journal

For coordination

What it is: Whether imported by U.S. soldiers from post-WWII Japan (karate) or the Korean War (tae kwon do), or popularized through Bruce Lee films (kung fu), these disciplines all share an armory of exacting kicks, punches, and blocks perfected through years of repetition and employed against either empty air or an opponent who knows exactly the same moves.

What it’s like: I found these forms of martial arts terribly confusing at first, but I did have brief moments of power. I followed along awkwardly as the members of my first karate class did drills that included five strikes, four kicks, eight blocks, and then a complicated attack called the trigger salute, which involves six different precision punches and jabs. A session later, my hips burned as I held a squat and performed blocks that originated from my diaphragm.

At tae kwon do I met Master Kim, who lectured me on how true martial arts build a man’s character whether he wins or loses. Then he took me to the mat and poked at pressure points so precisely that my molars ached.

Best for: Those who want a technical workout that takes concentration

Achieves harmony with: Volleyball, basketball, and other sports that follow a target. The focus on breath, core awareness, posture, and balance creates a finely tuned body sense. Deep squats and lunges build leg strength and hip flexibility.

Only workout I’ll ever need? Probably not, unless you commit to practicing on your own after class.

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Straight Punch

Start in a lunge position, with fists palm-up and pressed into the waist. Punch with the left arm, rotating the palm to face down on impact.

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NEXT: Brazilian Jujitsu

BACK: Mauy Thai Kickboxing

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This article originally appeared in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.