Martial Arts

The YMCA knows that personal and social change is done by working together. The Y focuses everyday to strengthen the community. One way is through exercises that include physical activity as well as your spirit and mind.

Martial Arts are offered at the YMCA of Austin and are open to members and nonmembers.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an internal Chinese Martial Art that was originally practiced for defense training and health benefits. A Tai Chi workout is a gentle flowing experience, treating your entire body and providing a relaxing workout. Tai Chi workouts are free of jumping, strenuous actions, aerobics, or running. It is a workout where your feet are always in the ground and your body and arms make graceful, deliberate, and continual movements and take your entire body to a point of relaxation and concentration. Tai Chi is good for your spirit and mind and also for your body. Benefits include greater flexibility, build muscle strength, better posture and balance, improved heart and lung activity, and reduced stress.

Tae Kwon Do

Tae kwon do means: "The art of unarmed combat". The sport has been founded in Korea and is one of the popular modern martial arts. It is characterized by fast, high and spinning kicks. The objectives of Tae Kwon Do are to improve self confidence and self esteem; help to gain composure and self control; to improve concentration; to learn discipline and goal orientation; and to learn respect towards self and others. At the YMCA, participants never come in full, aggressive contact with one another. They practice short, abrupt movements while standing away from each other. Participants will learn how to strike with their feet, an open hand and closed fists.

This modern martial arts program is open to all individuals ages 6 - adult.