With the growing popularity of extreme sports, XMA or Xtreme Martial Arts, has what it takes to make it into the X-Games and quite possibly the Olympics. It's just a matter of time.

Tae Kwon Do and Xtreme Martial Arts

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that has become very popular these days.  There are several organizations for Tae Kwon Do.  The largest organization is the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF), with Shin’s Family Martial Arts Center being a member.  They are the governing body of Olympic Tae Kwon Do (the competitions you see during the Summer Olympics).  While Olympic sparring is the only Tae Kwon Do Olympic competition, many would argue that Xtreme Martial Arts (XMA) should have its moment.  XMA is a high energy blend of traditional martial arts (such as Tae Kwon Do and Karate) combined with acrobatic skills from gymnastics and other mediums.  While most martial arts teach basic kicks for self defense, XMA takes those kicks (such as the Tae Kwon Do spin hook kick) and applies an aerial maneuver to it.  While many styles such as TKD or Karate teach jump spinning kicks, XMA practitioners will take this kick and execute two or three rotations prior to kicking.  Some are working on four rotations, if that has not already been accomplished.  Another example is the tornado kick.  What became of the tornado kick is the 540 kick.  The 540 is where you execute a tornado but follow through and landing on your kicking leg (compared to landing on your opposite leg in a tornado kick).  The 540 was one of the first big “tricks” on the tournament circuit where XMA was developing and growing.  The 540 is an extremely popular kick in Tae Kwon Do. 

Many of XMA’s high flying skills derived from Tae Kwon Do.  Tae Kwon Do is known for explosive kicking, which, is what makes XMA so dynamic and challenging.  To do XMA, you need to have confidence, springy legs, a strong core, a strong sense of awareness, and fast kicks.  Many XMA stylists have a Tae Kwon Do background.  With the ever growing body of XMA practitioners and with a strong organization, XMA can easily be the new wave of Olympic or even X-Games like events.  I know years ago, there was a movement to try and get XMA involved with the 2000 Summer Olympics.  Perhaps, there is still a chance as XMA continues to grow.  

Respectfully Yours,

Danny Elman - 3rd Degree Black Belt & Senior Instructor