The Promise of Martial Arts

[HG]

We've all read them in the yellow pages, school brochures & magazine advertisments/articles of what martial arts can do for you: Build confidence, self defense, health, flexibility, good grades...etc...etc. The list goes on & on.

So, what did you really get out of martial art training?

[Shotokan-kez]

What did i get and do i get out of martial arts training? All of the things listed above. My life has completely changed, i was blessed to have a fantastic sensei also.

[alsey]

fitness mainly. when i started i wasn't really unfit, just average, but now i'm a lot fitter than all the non-MA people i know. flexibility and strength as well. physically MA just got me in really good shape. the other major thing is self discipline, something i used to seriously lack. other than that i just got a lot of enjoyment from it, its the best hobby ever

[scottnshelly]

Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-Control, the indomitable spirit, respect, self-defense, confidence, calmer temper, bad knees, higher mental capacity, problem solving, and the ability to kick people in the head to name a few.

[mya]

Why no one said Fighting skills ?

One of the best thing i learned was how to fight.

[Abraham_lincoln]

Most or all of those things, but some more than others. Respect, for one. Focus and perseverence, those were another big thing. Most of all, physical fitness, and reflexes. After leaving and before starting again, I noticed a big lag in both of those.

[parkerlineage]

I have self confidence I know I wouldn't have, coordination and reflexes superior to my friends - and way more than when I started, physical and mental toughness, and the drive to make and achieve goals.

Of course, I accredit my parents with some of those, but not all, and karate helped.

[ninjanurse]

Why no one said Fighting skills ?

One of the best thing i learned was how to fight.

The best thing I learned was how not to fight.

[pineapple]

The most important thing that I learned in martial arts is that I can reach any goal that I want to as long as I don't give up.

[cathal]

Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-Control, the indomitable spirit, respect, self-defense, confidence, calmer temper, bad knees, higher mental capacity, problem solving, and the ability to kick people in the head to name a few.

Ditto minus the knee issues.