Just about everyone knows about a popular martial art, such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Tai Chi…some people have even thought about trying out a class. Have you ever actually done it? Do you need a reason?
Just about everyone has thought about taking up a martial art at some point in time. Ultimately as another way to stay in shape. Possibly as a means to protect yourself from the school bully. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of reasons why people choose to take up an art.
Here is an outline of what I feel are the most important reasons to try a martial art. Maybe it’s for yourself, maybe it’s for your children…whatever the reason, all martial arts contain a unique knowledge of discipline that you simply can’t get anywhere else. My hope is that this article will inspire you to get out of your chair and into a school to see what martial arts is all about.
Self Confidence in a Martial Art
As you train in martial arts, you will notice a lot of improvements, such as many physical and mental characteristics. Martial Arts will teach you how to combine these capabilities and use them to succeed in competitions and protecting yourself. The more you can do, the more confident you will be.
Self Defense
One of the most common reasons to study martial arts is to learn how to defend ones self. A number of schools may dedicate class time and/or offer a scheduled class that strictly goes over self defense tactics. Also, depending on the MA style or school, self defense can be a large part of the curriculum. Which can be beneficial to those interested in “applicable arts” as opposed to “traditional arts”.
Self Discipline
Webster defines self-discipline as the correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement. Whether it be trying to make a high 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. Martial Arts will teach you the self discipline necessary to succeed at anything you put your mind to.
Coordination in a Martial Art
Martial arts does require a lot of hand, foot, eye, and mental coordination. If you consider yourself as an uncoordinated person, training in the martial arts will help you grow those skills. You will 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 involves coordination.
Fitness
Martial Arts does not have to focus only on fighting or self defense as some styles are based more on fitness. Tae Bo and Tai Chi are two examples of this. However, those with an interest in the fighting & self-defense aspects of Martial Arts will find their fitness levels quickly increasing. 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 match as one’s skills and abilities.
Family Enjoyment
Most people don’t know that this is an excellent way to spend time together with your family! Some martial art schools allow families to train together and others separate classes by age groups. Regardless of how classes are segregated, families find themselves enjoying the time spent together. It is not unheard of having a family all test together for various ranks and black belts.
Meet New People – There is a Martial Art for everyone.
Many martial art schools structure their classes into three age groups. Kids usually ranging from about 5 to 11 years old. Teens 12 to about 16 or 17. Furthermore, Adults usually start at 18. Additionally, some schools also offer a Little Dragons program geared towards the 4-6-year-old crowd. From there, these age groups are then broken down into belt ranks.
These belt ranks allow you to train with people that are relative of equal skills and age. Oftentimes people who begin martial arts together will develop a friendship and obtain their black belts at the same time. This is because they pushed one another during their tough times.
If you are looking into joining or learning more about Martial Arts or Tae Kwon Do.
Contact us now and join a free session. Tiger Kim info@tigerkim.com (303) 388 – 1408
