.: Top Reasons To Try Martial Arts
Category:Home / Recreation and Leisure / Sports / Martial Arts
Just about everyone knows about the popular martial arts, such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Tai Chi...some people have even thought about trying out a class. Bt 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. Maybe 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, but I want to take a second to outline what I feel are the most important reasons to at least try a martial art. Maybe it's for yourself, maybe it's for your children...whatever the reason, all martial arts contain a unique wealth of knowledge and 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
As you train in martial arts, you will notice a lot if improvements, such as 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 will be.
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. 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" (arts you can use in everyday life) 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. 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 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 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 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 - Martial Arts is 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, and Adults – usually starts at 18, but some schools make exceptions when necessary. Some schools also offer a “Little Dragons” program geared towards the 4 – 6 year old crowd. Age groups are then broken down into belt ranks allowing you to train with people that are relatively of equal skills and age. Often times people who begin martial arts together will develop a bonding friendship and even obtainin their black belts at the same time because they pushed one another during their tuff times.
Remember that there are thousands of martial art styles. Chances are there is a style and a school perfect for you no matter what your reasons are for trying it out. If you're interested in finding one near you, visit http://www.experiencemartialarts.com. You'll find more information about martial arts as well as a list of schools in your area.
Article keywords: martial arts, karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, tai chi, little dragons, school, tae bo, self defense
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years and is currently a 2nd degree black belt. In 2000, he was ranked as the #1 sport karate athlete in his division by NASKA.
.: New Martial Arts Articles
1). Mike Swick is Ready For a Title Shot
I believe that Mixed Martial Arts fighter Mike "Quick" Swick is ready for a UFC title shot right now, however Swick may need to wait until later this year to get his chance.
2). Can Anyone Stop Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic is considered one of the best strikers in mixed martial arts today. Is there anyone in the UFC or elsewhere who can defeat Mirko?
3). Anderson Silva Is The Real Deal
Mixed Martial Arts wizard Anderson Silva will face Ultimate Fighter season 4 winner Travis Lutter in February 2007. Will he have another dominant win, or did he get lucky in his last two fights?
4). Getting A Kick Out Of Different Martial Arts
Martial arts are a sport that combines a variety of different methods of combat. In some cases, martial arts are used only for use, in other cases; martial arts are used in head-to-head combat, in generally controlled situations, such as matches or shows.
5). Martial Arts: Physical Techniques And Mental Discipline
Martial Arts is the combination of physical techniques and mental discipline. It is used for self defense, body strengthening, relaxation, and even competition.
6). The Five Best Fighters in MMA
Want to know who are the absolute best fighters in Mixed Martial Arts today? While this kind of thing is highly subjective, there can be no arguing that the fighters on my list are some of the all time greats.
7). Worlds Ten Best Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight Fighters
This is my personal ranking of the worlds best MMA heavyweight fighters.
.: Top Martial Arts Articles
1). The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts studio. After all, most practitioners in both karate and tae kwon do seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.
2). Tae Kwon Do Basic Information
What do you know about this Korean form of martial art? In Korea, it is practiced as the national sport, but it provides more than entertainment for those who learn it. Tae Kwon Do is used as a form of self-defense and exercise. Competitors come together in matches, somewhat like boxing, to fight, or spar, with one another. Much training and practice.
3). What You Need To Know Before You Start Taking Taekwondo…
Taekwondo has become VERY popular over the last decade or so. It is the martial art that most kids go into and it is also an official Olympic sport! Those two reasons are enough to make it worth your while to want to train in it!
But is it the right martial art for you? Or is it just a bunch of hype…
Let’s look into the history and see just exactly what taekwondo really is…
Taekwondo (also spelled tae kwon do or taekwon-do) is a martial art originating in Korea.
4). How To Choose A Martial Arts School
To reap the best benefits from martial arts, they should be taken as long term activities rather than short term. Given this suggestion, one should not just simply walk into the closest martial arts studio and sign up right away without doing some research. Not all martial arts are alike and not all schools or studios are alike either. Therefore, it is important to really think about what your own needs are with respect to martial arts training.
5). Wado ryu Karate Principles for Self Defense
The Way of Peace School of The Empty Hand
We should seek unity, harmony, and peace within ourselves and the world around us. Do not look to one way of doing things or one technique. Instead, internalize all you have learned, to become water that takes the shape of the situation, and the path of least resistance. Do not meet force with force, but avoid attacks with body movements, footwork, and deflection.
6). Japanese Samurai Swords Buying Guide
When it comes to samurai swords, there is quite a bit of terminology for the new collector to understand. But we want to make it easy for anyone to find a good quality samurai sword that will last a lifetime, no matter if you’re looking for one of the very sought after Paul Chen Katana swords for battle or just a quality sword to hang over the mantle.
7). Keys Of Hung Gar Kung Fu Mastering
1. While polishing your technique you should never stick out your chest or stomach either when fighting or practicing. It stiffens your body and makes your movements awkward. As a result, you are losing control over your body. While practicing always make sure to keep your back bent outward and chest incurved. This is the right sign to distinguish between Kung Fu masters and Kung Fu athletes.