In the western world, the term "martial arts" has gotten itself mixed up in a plethora of misconceptions. The most common misconception tends to be that martial arts is synonymous with fighting. The popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) has made the connection between the phrases seemingly inseparable. While I am a huge MMA fan (check out some of my past MMA-related articles), it is nothing more than a sport. A prominent MMA facility will teach you how to be a great fighter, not a great martial artist. The reason being: martial arts isn't a sport. It's a way of life.
Over the course of my twelve year martial arts journey, I have learned a considerable amount of self-defense techniques that I feel would be useful in a confrontational situation. However, my training has taught me so much more. Becoming a martial artist was like undergoing a complete metamorphosis. Probably the most crucial change I noticed was an adjustment in my character. I learned to show respect to my instructors and fellow classmates. This respect carried on outside of the Dojang. "Yes ma'am" and, "yes sir" became engraved into my everyday speech. In fact, the respect that I've developed through martial arts has allowed me to avoid confrontation--to this day, I have never been in an actual fight.
From my training, I developed a stronger work ethic as well. If you want to progress through the ranking system, you have to set goals. The next belt was always my short-term goal, while reaching black belt was my long-term goal. Without even realizing it, I began to utilize this mentality in school. I went from being a "C" average student to getting straight "A's." I continued setting and achieving goals in high school. By the time I graduated, I was in the top of my class and earned my 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. Without the work ethic that martial arts provided for me, I wouldn't have accomplished any of that.
Martial arts has also helped me promote a healthier lifestyle. The first tenant of the Taekwondo Creed, "I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and to avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health," has served as a main staple in my life. While I occasionally eat out at a fast food restaurant, or take a piece of cake, I have vowed to restrain from drugs and alcohol that would impair my mind, body, or spirit. Along with my training, I run and work out on a regular basis. The physical aspects of martial arts not only gets you in shape, but relieves stress and increases confidence as well.
For many people, martial arts is something that they tried when they were younger and quit because they either got "bored" with it, or it got too "difficult." For me, however, it is a key part of my life. Without martial arts, I doubt that I would be the person I am today. I owe the majority of my success and personality to it. My parents invested their money into my classes, and I do my best to pay them back by continuing to evolve as a person. My instructors also dedicated their time into training me, and I can't thank them enough. I hope to continue to spread my knowledge to others and train for as long as I live.
