Most of us have a sport we love to do in our free time, such as soccer or basketball. One sport that gets admired a lot, but not a lot of people actually do, is the martial arts. Lots of people love to watch movies like the Karate Kid or even follow the U.S Tae Kwon Do team but when it comes to trying martial arts themselves, the excuses come flooding out. Here are ten reasons why you really should reconsider doing martial arts, and why I have continued to do martial arts for nine years now.
1. Self Defense
Yes, this is probably the most obvious reason but also the most important. Most people know to aim for the groin and eyes, but with martial arts you learn how to deal with every single scenario imaginable and what to do in each of those situations.
2. Confidence Booster
This reason might also seem obvious but when you realize that no matter what age or gender you are that you can break a wooden board, that is such a satisfying feeling. For me, needing to yell loud or speak loudly helped me become more confident and less like a mouse.
3.Good Workout
You know all those cool flying kicks and forms you see? Well, while the professionals might make it look graceful it is actually a lot harder than you think and require the strength of every part of your body. One night of martial arts and you'll probably feel sore in places you didn't know existed.
4. Increases your Mind Power
Most martial arts require you to learn a number of forms, self defense techniques and blocks and punches at certain levels. The learning never stops in the martial arts and because of the requirement to remember what you are taught in order to get the next belt, your ability to remember and store movements in your brain will increase.
5. It's not just about the moves
What a lot of people might not know is that the martial arts is deeply rooted in the spiritual as well as the physical. Most martial arts have a focus on understanding how you can use energy from the Earth to fuel your movements or understanding the history and philosophy of that specific art. After all, it is an art.
No matter your age, gender or ability everyone can do martial arts. There are a number of different styles to choose from, and if you don't find your fit the first time, try a different one but don't give up. I feel I can honestly say though, if I did not take martial arts I would still be a very shy, quiet girl who would feel very stressed being on my own in the world. Now though, I have the techniques I need and the confidence in myself not only that I can protect myself if needed, but also just to interact with people and speak up for myself.
