What kind of martial arts is this...

[Kelly Lynn]

I saw a martial arts competition on tv a week or so ago and I can't figure out what kind it is, so I can learn more about it. It was only 1 person on the floor and each had a different style and technique. A lot of the girls would yell and scream, guys did too, and they did awesome moves in the air and on the ground like turns and some did flips. Others held their balance with their feet in the air. It was impressive.

[DKizzle]

Breakdancing?

[Hogosha]

tricking?

 

was it like this:

 

http://www.funnyheck.com/mafinest2.html

[Kelly Lynn]

Yeah, It was kind of like that video, minus the breakdancing and goofing off. But definately like the beginning of the video, but of course they didn't have the trampolines during the competition. Is it called tricking then?

[DKizzle]

Wow...that was some cool stuff. <_

[Master Jules]

Sounds like the Paul Mitchell sponsered karate tournaments.

[scottnshelly]

could it have been XMA? that is usually characterized by flip kicks, powerless, yet fast, punches and hand slinging, a reckless amount of x-blocks, jumps, spins, and ridiculous sounding screams.

[parkerlineage]

I believe scottnshelly is probably correct.

 

No offense to anybody who is XMA, but that thing is utterly ridiculous.

 

Peace;

 

Parkerlineage

[Kelly Lynn]

yes it was the paul mitchell sponsored thing. and yes it sounds like what scottnshelly is describing.

[monkeygirl]

Probably the ISKA tournament on ESPN2. Paul Mitchell sponsors a team, but not the whole tournament, if I remember. It's more showmanship and acrobatics than realistic martial arts, but it is very impressive. It definitely takes a lot of hard work to get where they are, regardless of whether or not you would backflip over your opponent. I just wish they would tone down the screaming a little bit. Makes it a bit annoying to watch for extended periods. The last time I watched one of the forms competitions, I think the kata were 60% flipping, 10% standing still building tension, and 30% fighting techniques. Don't get me wrong, I have a ton of respect for the talent it takes to do that stuff...I just think it's getting overboard. Plus, I can't do a backflip and I don't like being excluded from things