Martial arts have been defined as codified systems and traditions of combat practices, which are practiced for a variety of reasons, such as self-defense, military and law enforcement applications; as competition, physical fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development.

Martial arts may be categorized along a variety of criteria, including:

By technical focus

Some martial arts can be broadly grouped into focusing on strikes, those focusing on grappling, and those that cover both fields, often described as hybrid martial arts, which could include strikes, punching, kicking, grappling, throwing, joint locks, etc.

Sometimes, training with one specific weapon may be considered a style of martial arts in its own right.

By application or intent

Combat sport, self-defense, and health-oriented.

A common theme in some styles is the value of “inner peace” in a practitioner, which is stressed to be achieved through individual meditation and training, believing that the use of physical force is only justified through defense.

Throughout Asia, meditation is often incorporated as part of training.

Some styles draw upon breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as elements that foster conscience and calmness, and to benefit the practitioner in different levels: the physical, the psychological, and the spiritual.

Through practice in martial arts we can improve both physical and mental condition, which contributes to self-esteem, self-control, emotional and spiritual well-being. For this reason, a number of martial arts schools have focused purely on therapeutic aspects.

At Healthy Integrity we want to focus on the healthy and self-defense aspects of the martial training.

We look at the martial training as a means to be more loving, caring, and respectful with ourselves, others, and nature, source of vital energy. At the same time that we look at its application as an effective method of self-defense.

Through practice we develop the senses, thus gaining in perception, sensibility, and interaction capacity.