What exactly are “Tae-Bo,” “Cardio-Karate,” “Cardio-Kickboxing,” and the like?
These exercise programs are the result of the latest aerobics craze. Students who participate in these programs wear shorts and other loose exercise clothing of their choice. They usually are not interested in wearing uniforms or testing for ranks. They also do not want to spar, perform self-defense routines, or learn forms (also known as kata or hyung). Bowing is not required. Some martial art schools may offer these activities because they often bring revenue. Problems occur when such schools condone these programs as martial arts or self-defense training. These activities do NOT teach you meaningful self-defense techniques. People are often mislead into thinking they are performing martial arts and/or self-defense training. This is simply not true. Furthermore, such notion will leave them with a dangerously false sense of security. These programs, if taught properly, would certainly provide you with plenty of cardiovascular exercise. They may also be a lot of fun and provide you wit
