The world can be a dangerous place for women. Women are victims of violent crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence on a daily basis. Many women are interested in learning how to protect themselves against violent situations, but they are often not sure where to turn.

Although it is better for beginners to attend a tai chi class, a good DVD can undoubtedly help to keep your practice going at home. As a rule, you should look for a DVD that sticks to beginners' sequences, provides clear explanations of each move and allows you to establish a daily routine.

When comparing martial arts styles, it is important to understand the different ranges that can occur in an actual fight. These ranges refer to the distance between you and your opponent. The ranges are kicking, striking, trapping and grappling.

Taekwondo provides both fitness and mental benefits to children and adults alike. Engage in classes to unify your body and mind.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu was developed centuries ago as a martial art to be used without weapons. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed in the early 1900s.

Unlike a traditional workout, yoga and tai chi focus on precise movements that allow the body to slowly transition from one position to the next. Both practices attempt to coordinate the muscles, bones, heart and mind with the positive energy that surrounds the body.

Jiu jitsu is a martial art from Japan that focuses on grappling. Practitioners use throws and locks to defend themselves in the street, or to defeat an opponent in competition. Studying jiu jitsu provides students with physical and mental benefits.

There are literally hundreds of martial arts, and for each the black belt is a standard of excellence. It typically signifies the student is now an instructor and performs at an expert level. Four martial arts stand out for their black belt demands, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be the most demanding.

Chi, also spelled qi or ki, is our life-giving energy. Martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture are all based on focusing, balancing or aligning chi. In particular, the practices of qigong, also called chi kung, and tai chi teach students to focus on and tap into chi.

The second belt in most tae kwon do organizations is the yellow belt. Advancement requirements vary between schools, but typically you must demonstrate proficiency at basic techniques before earning this rank.

Judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu, or BJJ, are both practices that evolved from traditional Japanese jiu jitsu. Stylistically, judo uses more standing and grappling poses while BJJ tends to focus on ground fighting.

As most people already know, kung fu schools often award their students colored belts to demonstrate their degree of training, time in rank and dedication to the art. Fewer people know that this is a relatively new part of kung fu training, a facet that became part of the art during the 20th century.