List Your Motivations for Martial Arts Training

[Zanejin]

What are my motivations?

1) Health

2) Patience and other Psychological Attributes such as Resistance against Anger

3) Interest

4) Self-defense

5) Keeping Fit

6) The Warrior's Philosophy

7) My Dream of becoming really good in Karate

Surpassing my Limits

9) Having something as a hobby

10) Having something to do when I'm bored

[Kieran-Lilith]

I have another to add.

To never lose control of my life again. (Okay, yeah, it probably doesn't make sense to anyone else, but it makes sense to me. I had no control, thanks to guy, guy now hates me and friends, may come out to try and hurt us all, I refuse to ever let him beat me down again.)

[Juniper]

Initially, I did it to lose weight and learn self-defense.

Nowadays, I find that my practice helps me to feel some sanity in the crazy world we live in. I shudder to think what my life would be like without it.

[italian_guy]

My motivations:

1. Getting into shape

2. Learning Tai Chi Chuan (both form and martial applications)

3. Gaining confidence

4. Increase self confidence

5. increase discipline

There ya go.

Does Tai chi really help you to get into shape?

I know because I practiced it that Tai chi is energy quite consuming.

But maybe to get into shape it may be better something more aerobic?

[AnonymousOne]

Hmmmm no one likes busting heads?

LOL

[younwhagrl]

* Fun

* Physical and Mental wellness

* Social

* Self-esteem

* Facing my fears

* Becoming my best

When I first started I didn't know what to expect..I wasn't even interested in MA..but those are what I've come to see our my motivation!

[Sabumnim]

To be the best me that I can be...

[darkness]

So no one will hurt me or mine. If that means striking the offensive before being attacked, I will do my best, if it means striking even a potential abuser, so be it.

And then for exercise, disipline, confidence, fun.

[ItalianMuayThai]

- Health

- Mind

- Friendship

- Become Top Fighter

- Surpassing my Limitations

[elbows_and_knees]

Hmm...I'm wondering: Are there any members out there reading this thread that have less than honourable intentions to learning martial arts? If you do, do you have the strength of your convictions to say so? I'm not trying to spark flames or arguments, but to discover some opinions that aren't...well, popular.

That may have been a loaded question, but I may have been the poster with the response you are looking for.

I love martial arts and I love competing. I am also a bouncer at one of my downtown area's most popular night clubs, so I have to fight. MA helps with this immensely. So, I also train so that I can fight.

spirituality is fine and good, but as has been stated, that can come from elsewhere - church, for example. That doesn't have to be part of MA training, and can actually get in the way, as it takes away from training time.