Tag: martial arts

How Martial Arts Training Teaches Respect

Posted on | by Jason

Many modern, high quality schools in the area offer provide Martial Arts training with a range of programs and options for adults and children alike, with a host of benefits at every level. Some schools even offer training in multiple disciplines, such as Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, MMA, or Krav Maga, a fiercely effective combat system developed and used by Israeli Defense Forces. Methods and moves vary, but one distinct virtue all of these styles share is the deeper sense of respect practitioners develop: respect for the art, for family, teachers, peers, seniors, juniors, authority, duty, community, life generally, and perhaps most importantly – respect for self.

Martial Arts and Respect

There are a number of key principles that underlie and unify traditional Martial Arts training programs. Most systems promote a culture of courtesy and self-discipline, and invariably deliver to committed students greater self-esteem and improved self-confidence. However, there is one main principle that is fundamental and integral to all the others: respect – showing it and earning it.

Respect is a philosophical cornerstone of most reputable, traditional Martial Art training facilities.
In concept and practice, respect is key to how martial arts can help improve people’s lives. This is particularly true with regard to children and teen students, whose perceptions, attitudes, and interpersonal skills are being influenced and developed.

Traditional styles of Martial Arts generally offer programs for kids and teens designed to promote positive behavior both on and off the training mat. The considerate, self-controlled, active-listening, respectful manner in which instructors, staff, and students conduct training and interactions usually has a powerful effect on a students’ outlooks and other aspects of their lives.

In quality Martial Arts classes for children and adults, students experience and contribute to an environment of mutual respect and self-respect. Seeing the behavior modeled in class is useful, but
the lessons are reinforced when parents demonstrate self-respect and courtesy for others in their daily interactions. Because kids usually do what they see, we must be mindful to make showing respect for all a natural habit.

Martial Arts, Discipline, and Respect

Just as in most other educational, career and personal pursuits, when practicing and studying Martial Arts the maxim “you get out of it what you put into it” applies. Martial Arts offer so much more in terms of power and growth than simply learning how to kick or punch someone. Martial Arts challenge individuals to push their own personal boundaries and go beyond them. Reaching any ambitious goal such as earning a Black Belt requires hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Fulfilling these requirements to improve ourselves as Martial Artists is invaluable experience that develops a work ethic, confidence, and sense of determination that serves us well in all aspects and stages of life. The respect that students develop for their teachers, fellow students, and their own abilities is projected, shared, and applied to our interpersonal relationships at work, home, school, and in the community. The practice of showing and earning respect for others leads most Martial Arts students to become better citizens, better leaders, and better people overall.

Too Tired to Exercise? Get Self-Sustaining Energy from Martial Arts!

Posted on | by Jason

Are you making excuses to avoid exercise and say you feel too tired to work out any more? You know it is good for you and you always feel better after, but the “do it anyway” motto isn’t cutting it any more. If it isn’t due to a physical illness or low-iron level, then here are a few pointers to try to motivate yourself to keep going.

Change your schedule

If you usually exercise in the evening, set your alarm thirty minutes early and get your exercise session out of the way before your day begins. An early morning exercise session will help energize and motivate you for the rest of the day. Plus, you can look forward to a relaxing evening knowing you’ve accomplished your goal. This can be a simple solution to the problem of being too tired to work out.

Sometimes the best cure for sluggishness or fatigue is a vigorous exercise session. Have you ever noticed how you can walk into your Martial Arts class (Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Karate, etc.) hopelessly exhausted, but after thirty minutes, you feel energized and invigorated? Exercise gets your blood flowing and zaps fatigue. Classes are designed to be both mentally and physically challenging. If you need motivation to lure yourself to class, promise yourself a small reward after you finish, like a long, relaxing bath or 20 minutes with your favorite book; just make sure it’s not a hot fudge sundae!

If it is only occasionally that you find yourself too tired to work out, go ahead and work out, but less vigorously. To help you to take the first step, tell yourself you’ll only exercise for ten minutes. Chances are you won’t notice when the ten minutes have passed; you’ll feel so invigorated that you’ll want to keep going.

You can always change your routine temporarily to get rid of the boredom by substituting something fun. Go outside for a brisk walk. Shoot hoops in the driveway. Ride your bike to the local store. You can get back on schedule the next time you exercise and the variety will be good for you both physically and mentally.

If you still find yourself “too tired,” talk to your instructor about ways to exercise outside of class that will also benefit your Martial Arts skills. Give these tips a try and soon you’ll no longer need the old excuse of being too tired to work out. Plus, you’ll look and feel like a new person.

Engaging In Martial Arts To Combat Childhood Obesity

Posted on | by Jason

With childhood obesity having become a national epidemic in recent decades, more and more parents are discovering that Martial Arts can be an effective solution for helping their children to keep or get their weight under control. This engaging, enduring activity offers children (and adults) a complete fitness program that benefits development and improvement of the whole body.
Fortunately, our community has had caring instructors teaching Martial Arts to children and adults or some time. Karate schools haven’t just stood by and watched in dismay as this particular childhood malady has spread at a remarkable pace with dismal, disheartening, and costly results. Parents everywhere bring their kids in to train at Martial Arts facilities to address the issue and obtain a litany of great benefits in addition.

Childhood obesity is be a complex and multi-faceted problem. Martial Arts, contrary to what many people believe, have less to do with violence and more to do with self-improvement.

It may sound cliché, but once embraced, Martial Arts for many become an overwhelmingly positive “way of life!” The physical practice of martial arts incorporates many aspects leading to fitness and well-being, including strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and becoming more agile, energetic, and in control of the body. Together, these elements of Martial Arts training are a very powerful tool in combating childhood obesity.

A reputable Martial Arts school will have qualified staff who diligently commit to each and every student to help him or her reach the top of his or her potential, not just on the mats and in the ring, but in all walks of life. In quality kids, teen, and adult Martial Arts programs, instructors work with individuals to help them derive from Martial Arts the benefits most crucial to leading healthy, happy, and productive lives.

When it comes to combating childhood obesity, great role models and trusted teachers encourage behaviors within the walls of the Martial Arts studio that are typically carried over into every aspect of students’ lives. Martial Arts training is even more beneficial with instruction and practice of virtues like self-control, self-discipline, and self-respect. Instructors typically also promote constructive behavior, temptation resistance, and moderation of consumption.

Childhood obesity is a very serious problem but it can be subdued and conquered. Addressing it is the responsibility not just of parents and kids themselves, but of the whole community. We must set a good example and provide an atmosphere that encourages healthy development and lifestyle choices. Martial Arts are among the most powerful tools at our disposal to halt and reverse this harmful, ongoing trend.

Be Neither Target Nor Victim

Posted on | by Jason

Every individual, at some point in his or her life, has been victimized, exploited, or abused in some form or another. Whether this relates to a child being bullied at school, an adult being singled out at the workplace, or in more serious cases, an individual being mugged on the street, what the common feature of these unfortunate scenarios is the victim’s inability to avoid, escape, or resist. Fear is a powerful weapon, and a liability for those who do not prepare. If one does not take measures to develop himself or herself both mentally and physically, he or she will continue to arrive in situations where he or she is at a disadvantage and risk. Fortunately martial arts training is fun, helpful, and appropriate for all ages, genders, and fitness levels.

Not about violence

Watching a Bruce Lee movie may inspire you to become a martial artist, but the truth is that flashy combat is not what martial arts is mainly about. Do not think you can participate in martial arts training in order to intimidate or bully your way through life. You may learn to have “presence,” but you will also learn humility, self-control, and respect. At its very essence, martial arts is training for improvement of the body, mind, and spirit. The combative aspects of martial arts, while important, are only executed in self-defense as a last resort. While martial arts will certainly teach you various techniques and strategies that will help you in a physical confrontation, the main lesson that it aims to teach is learning when not to fight. A real martial artist is able to discern whether a conflict can be resolved without violence or physical self- defense is required.

Values of martial arts

Integrating the actual spirit of martial arts training into oneself can only come with practice. Initially you may view this kind of training simply as a means by which you can protect yourself on the streets or from bullies at school. However, martial arts teaches individuals much more than that. Through this kind of training, your character itself will be positively affected. Martial arts training helps individuals build focus, endurance, confidence, and most of all respect for self and others.

The greatest victory is always found in resolving a conflict without using any violence. While it is certainly true that certain cases may call for combat, this must always be viewed as a last resort. If you are looking to stand up to someone, martial arts will teach you to do so in an assertive yet respectful manner.