Nia and Tae Kwon Do
Posted by terrepruitt on November 28, 2009
As you might now be aware Nia includes elements from three disciplines from three different arts. From the martial arts, we borrow from Tae Kwon Do. Not just “moves” from Tae Kwon Do but also some of the other elements of it. With its kicks, punches, blocks, and stances it helps allow Nia to be a great leg workout and provide a stable base for some of our other moves. Tae Kwon Do can also contribute to one’s confidence by providing exercises that allow one to become strong and stable. These are the things Nia gains from Tae Kwon Do.
Nia calls Tae Kwon Do the Dance of Precision.* So when delivering a punch, block, kick, etc. with the energy of Tae Kwon Do, it is done with precision and intent. However, Nia likes to play so at times even though we might not be executing a punch or a kick, but we might choose to energize our movement with “Tae Kwon Do” like energy, and be forceful and aggressive even adding sound to our movement.
Adding the energy of one form to the moves of another is one of the things that make Nia fun and keeps is challenging. It takes different muscles to skip with force and authority than to skip like a child without a care in the world. That is an example of how Nia incorporates different moves with different energies.
In Nia we don’t “DO” Tae Kwon Do, things have been gleaned from it and brought into Nia and mixed in with aspects of Tai Chi, Aikido, Jazz Dance, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, Yoga, the Alexander Technique and the teachings from Feldenkrais, and the combination from each form is Nia. A lot of Nia routines include moves and concepts from each discipline, but not always. In an effort to keep each workout fresh, fun, and joyful teachers often mix things up.
If you are near San Jose, come to one of my Nia classes. If not, I hope that you will find a Nia class near you and give Nia try.
*Both the Nia Technique Book and The Nia Technique – White Belt Manual state this. Both books are by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas. **V3 of The Nia Technique – White Belt Manual
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
Melisa said
Hi Terre–I discovered Nia only a few months ago and really, really love it! Your blog has been a great help to me in more deeply understanding Nia. Thanks for that! I have a dear friend in San Jose and I usually visit her over spring break–maybe I will drop by your class this March and bring her along.
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terrepruitt said
Hello! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I am thrilled to hear that you have discovered Nia. I am even more thrilled to hear you love it. I think that my affection for it grows daily. I am also thrilled to hear that my blog has helped you understand Nia.
Since Nia can be a workout you do or a practice you particpant in, I too am learning about Nia and through Nia constantly. It is a wonderful journey.
I would be so happy to have you in class. I am meeting a lot of people on line and it is very fun to get to meet them in person.
I hope you keep in touch!
Thank you again!
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Jill Campana said
One of my favorite movement forms in Nia is Tae Kwon Do. I love the sensation of power in my body. Great blog…your explanations are spot on.
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terrepruitt said
I think you say that about all the forms? And if you do, I understand. Sometimes my favorite form depends on the song.
Thank you for coming over and commenting. And you know that I just shine when you say that I did good, so thank you. (Did you have to put on your sunglasses because I am so shiny?)
XOXO!
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