Starting wrestling at the age of 14 Chris quickly began winning trophy after trophy, during that time he performing his martial art skill in various tournaments, on the job (as a bouncer at nightclubs), and on the streets. 

Using his knowledge of anatomy and physiology learned from being a personal trainer and aerobics instructor starting at the age of 17 he began studying the healing art of massage therapy.  As he has built his reputation as a fighter, he now turned to teaching of wellness massage, reflexology and self-defense.  Today Chris works in the field of entertainment as well as being a state licensed instructor traveling throughout the state of California. TOP

General Background

Martial Arts

Wrestling (Greco Roman) four years, Tai Sou Chang Quan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan) eighteen years, Kung So (Tae Kwon Do) black belt first degree four years six month, Kajikempo (Karate) black belt four years.

Traditional Weapons
Defensive, offensive and tactical combat forms: 8 foot Bow staff, 12 foot Bow staff, quarter staff, long sword, short sword, bow and arrow, Taoist belt, dagger, 12 foot spear, 16 foot spear, sling, whip, Bali Song (butterfly knife) and straight knife. TOP

About Chris' contributions to Couples' Fitness
I have made martial arts a part of my life for many years now.  It allows me to stay physically fit and provides the mental stimulation often missing in most exercise regimes.  For many people, getting into fitness is hard.  That first few weeks often teaches us just how out of shape we can get and it's during those first weeks, most quit.

I've discovered through the years that attaching a purpose to exercise is often the motivation those born without the exercise gene need.  Some people enjoy activity and exercise.  Some  people do not.  Those that don't often find the martial arts provide the mental stimulation, spirituality and challenges running, weight lifting or aerobics do not. Martial arts can be performed by nearly any person well into the golden years of their life. Plus, in addition to getting fit, it provides you with new skills and defenses that may one day save your life or that of someone you care for. Martial arts teach strength, strategy, control, relaxation, concentration, coordination and patience. TOP

To help you understand the differences and the ideas of martial arts, I  would like to help make understand some of the common misconceptions that make it so intriguing to some and elusive to others. 

What makes a series of physical movements a martial art.  Is it because it’s from the orient? 
No. There are many forms of martial arts form other parts of the world.  TOP

Is it the way you move that make it a martial art? 
No. A martial art is not a style of movements nor is it a type of fighting; It’s the approach by which it is done that distinguishes martial arts from other types of defensive disciplines.  Bruce Lee is still today just about the most famous martial artist, he created and named his own style, Jeet Kun Do, “The Way of the Intercepting Fist,”.

Bruce Lee is considered a great martial artist not because he coined Jeet Kun Do , but because his perception of it as a martial art and his perfecting it as a practice.   One of my goals is to  help guide you through your questions and thoughts about what style is right for you, to help you separate fiction from fact.

I look forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals in the years ahead.

Chris Murray

EMAIL
this ARTICLE
to a friend