It is a commonly held misconception that people who learn martial arts are doing so because they have a violent streak. That they are bullies who have perhaps spent too much time watching kung fu movies, and want to strut around the place dispensing their wrath to anyone who crosses them.
Wrong! In reality, the vast majority of those who decide to learn martial arts have very good, and honorable, reasons for doing so. At the foundation of all martial arts are discipline and respect (for yourself and others). There are many who start out having been bullied in the past and want to train so they can take their revenge. However, the training and discipline is very rigorous. People whose motive is to avenge a past misdeed either drop out very early on, or come to realise the true depth of the art they are studying; the latter forgive past indiscretions and move on with integrity and self-assurance.
There are three distinct sets of reasons to learn martial arts: reasons involving an individual’s strength of character; those that improve the physical self; and finally the fighting aspects.
Improve the Mind and Character
Perhaps the greatest rewards of learning any martial art, whether it is a Chinese one, or a Japanese or Korean (or any other) one, are the skills which can be taken into everyday life, and allow social interaction and positive development as a citizen. The art will improve self-confidence, humility and a sense of fair play, as well as developing a positive attitude to life, a strength of character and determination to persevere when things don’t go the way they are meant to. Often martial arts are taught in groups or classes, and can help to establish comradeship and teamwork, which are crucial in wider society.
Improve the Body and Health
In a technology-packed world of video games and television, learning martial arts is a great way to get back to basics; to get the body moving again. They are a fun way to rapidly improve health and well-being, get fit, build stamina and reduce stress. Many arts such as aikido and tai chi can be studied by the very young and the very old, and can gently produce wonderful health benefits.
Learn Martial Arts to Fight
Finally we get to the fighting aspects of the martial arts. They are used only for self-defense, once all other non-aggressive avenues have failed. Indeed many martial arts rely for their effectiveness on a defensive strategy, turning the force of the attackers back on themselves.
With so many benefits to gain, it makes sense to learn martial arts and join the millions of people worldwide who already study these fascinating arts.
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