DC111

I have a few reasons for practicing martial arts.. The first is because I thought it was neat. I first got into it over five years ago because of talent show at our school. One kid came in with boards and a red belt tied around his waist. The rest is self-explanatory. Since then, I have found more reasons to keep pursuing the martial arts. I'm a person who likes a challenge... so karate is right up my alley. Aikido, sparring, tournaments... it gets your adrenaline going, and puts you under pressure, mentally and physically. And although I probably won't need to actually use it, it's nice to have skills to rely on in case I do, like Throwdown said. Karate has also affected me on a more personal level. I have more confidence in myself, I'm respectful towards others, and I've found myself able to be extremely calm under pressure outside of the dojo as well. Not to mention, it's great for relieving stress.

I know exactly what you mean, though I can't pinpoint why that is either. I think there's a lot less judgment when it comes to the martial arts, simply because in most cases, you HAVE to be self-disciplined and respectful to participate. Not to mention, sort of like you said, everyone is treated equally and people aren't left out. There's a lot of trust involved, too, when it comes to martial arts. Maybe that's part of it. ...heh, strangely enough, I've never run into someone from my dojo at a grocery store or ANYwhere for that matter.

It's been a while, but I figured I might as well post this. Two nights ago, I went back to my dojo and rejoined. They were in the middle of a class when I walked in. Everyone was just training on their own at the time, though, so one of the instructors came and said hi to me and I told him I was coming back and all that. Then I went in the office and had the secretary (for lack of better word) put my name back in the computer system and stuff. After that, I just sorta watched the class for a while. Then the door opened behind me. Guess who came in? I was shocked to see my old Sensei again. I didn't say anything for a second, but I was thinking something along the lines of 'OMG, what's he doing here!?' I found out that he still comes to instruct a Bo Staff class every once in a while on Wednesdays. He seemed sorta surprised to see me there too, since I hadn't been there in so long. We said hi and talked a little and then he walked into the office to do something. When he came back out, I got his attention and then said, "I know you don't instruct here anymore, but I just wanted to say thanks. I liked having you as an instructor." He smiled and shook my hand then, and said, "I appreciate that. It was always a pleasure!" I'm really glad I got to talk to him again. I was just in the right place at the right time, I guess. Despite the fact that he doesn't really instruct there anymore, I still can't wait to get back into the classes again. I'm really looking forward to it. ^^

Thanks a lot for the replies. I just found out that my Sensei MIGHT (big might) come to one of our Bo Staff classes to help instruct. That would be awesome if I got a chance to talk to him one more time, you know, and tell him I thought he was a good instructor. Either way, I feel really fortunate that I was one of his students.

Yeah... my instructor didn't start another school or anything. I know he injured his back some time ago and it's been hard for him to keep instructing and training... and I think he might have lost interest, too. I know the instructor who's running the school, and from what I've been told, the way he does things is pretty similar to the instructor who left, which is good. That's exactly how I feel. Of course, I didn't realize until I found out he LEFT how much I really enjoyed karate when he was instructing. Always seems to work that way. Thanks for replying, guys.

What I got out of martial arts...? Hm... loads of bruises, pain, sprained ankles, and frustration. ...and self-confidence, respect for myself and others, loyalty, trust, discipline, good fitness and health, and quick reflexes. When the martial arts became a part of my life, I also got to experience challenges and and excitement that most people don't see on a daily basis. Not to mention a fairly high pain threshold. You can see the list of pros far outweighs the cons. Edit: WHOA... sorry, didn't notice this topic was from 2006. Whoa.

In fifth grade, there was a talent show and this kid broke a board. Just a few months later, I joined - I never regretted it. I'm a sophomore now and I still go there.

Hi, all. I guess you could consider me new here since I don't post very much, but I've been around before. I just do more reading than talking, I guess. Anyway, ever since I joined the karate school I go to, there's one instructor who was always my favorite - he held classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I went to the Tuesday/Thursday classes. I sort of got to know him over the years... he was a really great guy and taught me quite a bit more than martial arts. He was respectful to everyone, and humorous, and he had an optimistic outlook on life that always amazed me. The kind of person you'd want to be like, you know? One of those rare people that you should consider yourself lucky to have met. Well... a few months ago, I stopped going to the dojo because of personal issues, not to mention being busy. I'm going back very soon, because I love karate and I've met lots of other great people there and I'm nowhere near ready to give it up yet. It just sort of tore me in two when I found out he had left. Has anyone else ever been in a situation like this? I guess I'm just looking for someone to talk to about this. When the head instructor of a dojo leaves - especially one you really appreciated - it just doesn't seem the same.

I love board breaking. It makes you feel strong and experienced as a martial artist in general. The first time I ever did it was at a week-long camp, at the very end... I'd been wondering if I'd be able to do it all week long, and it snapped on the first try.

We have three karate schools in one, um, 'district' for lack of better word. So they're all connected but in different cities. Two instructors have left my school to go to one of the other two (because the Grand Master goes to it), but the rest of the instructors there, including my Sensei, stayed, so I wasn't going anywhere.

Hi! I just joined, too. I've been in Karate (along with various other martial arts.. Ai Ki Do, Tang Soo Do) for nearly 5 years and am a blue belt (which, in my dojo, is pretty high).

I'm fifteen and not exactly sure what I want to do for a REAL career yet. Maybe writing... and teaching karate, that too.

Haha, that's me right now. And whoever said bowing while shaking someone's hand... I've done that before, too.

Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 15 and am currently a blue belt in Karate (in my Karate school that's pretty high). I've been taking Karate for nearly 5 years and still love it.