Everyone knows popular martial arts, such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Kickboxing and some have even thought about trying out a class. But have you ever actually taken one?
There are many reasons why people choose to take up martial arts. I want to outline what I feel are the most important reasons to do so.
Self Confidence
As you train in martial arts, you will notice improvements in your physique, balance, awareness, flexibility, and many other physical and mental characteristics. martial arts will teach you how to combine these capabilities and use them to succeed in competitions, attaining higher belts, building friendships and protecting yourself if necessary. The more you can do, the more confident you become.
Self Defense
One of the most common reasons to study martial arts is to learn how to defend one’s self. A number of schools may dedicate class time and/or offer a scheduled class that strictly goes over self defense tactics.
Self Discipline
The dictionary defines ‘self-discipline’ as the correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement. Whether it be trying to make a school team or meeting company deadlines, once you learn the focus necessary to succeed in martial arts you can apply it to the rest of your life. Success is mental, and martial arts will teach you the self discipline necessary to succeed at anything you put your mind to.
Coordination
Martial arts does require a lot of hand, foot, eye, and mental coordination, but all of this is developed over time. If you consider yourself as an uncoordinated person, training in the martial arts will help you grow those skills. You’ll be amazed what your body is capable of doing! Even if you are a natural athlete, standing on one foot, while kicking with the other, and blocking with your hands is quite difficult and involves solid coordination.
Fitness
Martial Arts does not have to focus only on fighting or self defense as some styles are based more on fitness. However, those with an interest in the fighting & self-defense aspects of Martial arts will find their fitness levels quicly increasing as training not only develops various muscle groups, but flexibility and balance as well. One’s level of fitness can be just as important in winning a fight as one’s skills and abilities.
Meet New People
Often times people who begin martial arts together will develop a bonding friendship and even obtainin their belts at the same time because they pushed one another during their hard times.
