Benefits of Martial Arts

PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Though most people would list physical fitness as an obvious benefit of studying
martial arts, few people really understand all the physical benefits.  You will realize
increased strength and flexibility, stronger bones and joints, increased stamina and
energy, better coordination and balance, and weight loss.

MENTAL BENEFITS
Though the martial arts seem at first glance to be a set of physical skills, in reality
the real goal is to condition the mind. It is the mind that has to learn to act quickly,
often reading subtle signs and responding with a complex set of moves. The mental
benefits of martial arts are possibly more significant than the physical. Some of these
are:

Focus - The martial artist must learn to bring all of his or her attention to the
activity at hand.
Learning - Learning is a skill. Children who work their way through a martial
arts curriculum are learning to learn. The level of challenge, the individuality
of instruction, and the visible results all work to make learning martial arts
uniquely valuable in the art of learning itself.

BEHAVIORAL BENEFITS
Some people have the misperception that martial arts training will lead to their
children acting more aggressive, more out of control, when in fact the reverse is
true. Children who participate in a traditional martial arts program often show
improved behavior in several ways:  Respect, Achievement, Camaraderie and
Calmness.

ATTITUDE
Discipline - While natural talent might carry some a long ways in many sports, the
martial arts requires discipline. Many of the specific skills in martial arts can only be
achieved by doing difficult exercises over and over.
Mental Awareness - This attitude helps the student respond better to many aspects
of life.

INTANGIBLES
Self Defense - The most overrated and underrated benefit to martial arts is self
defense. It is overrated in that many people believe that martial arts are only about
self defense. There are so many other reasons for being in the martial arts that an
experienced martial artist might forget to mention this one. It is underrated too. A
trained martial artist rarely, if ever has to use his or her skills in the street. Thus, it is
easy to forget that self-defense is an important element in martial arts. In fact,
martial artists have a confidence, attitude, and awareness that make actual
confrontations rare.

Individual Development - Martial arts is a lifetime study for many people. The path
or the way of martial arts may lead the student into other disciplines, or through
increasing levels in one's primary discipline. Unlike many sports or studies, there is
no end to the path through martial arts. The student can go as far as he or she is
willing to go.

Fun - One of the most important benefits of martial arts training is that it is fun. It
may be difficult, trying, and frustrating, but there is always the excitement that
comes from accomplishment.