How serious?

[Martial_Artist]

I do it because I almost know nothing else. It's been a part of my life since before I can remember. I was taught to defend, and my training today carries on what I was taught: to fight and win.

 

Everything else I do in the martial arts is a benefit from my training to survive. By the primary reason I still train, was trained, and will continue to train is self-defense and defense of loves ones.

 

MA.

[karatekid1975]

I started for self defense, and that still is my main reason. But I also do it to keep my weight down, and for fun

[shotochem]

I train for the challenge, fitness and mental discipline. MA have become part

 

of me and the person I have become. I take my training seriously because I enjoy it and have grown to appreciate the arts. My most important rule is to have fun and enjoy my training without taking myself too seriously. When the enjoyment is gone there is no reason to continue. MA are part of my life

 

and it is important to find a balance in everything we do.

[Jade_Lotus]

My purpose has and always will be for defense. Defense of myself, and loved ones. I recognize the many benefits that come from my training, the list is near endless. However, my PURPOSE remains the same.

[granmasterchen]

i love to fight,,,,,,yet i also enjoy the fitness part, i like to train and teach people(that makes me feel good),i like to have fun too and learn the past history and now more of the mental and spiritual levels of the arts, trying to do all that cool stuff that you see in the old kung fu movies, not dragonballz though, sorry guys

[major_motoko]

GRANMASTERCHAN: learn the past history and now more of the mental and spiritual levels of the arts

 

I agree. Yes I train for self defence, yes cos it's fun.. but what actually attracted me to karate was the spiritual and cultural side. That is far more important to me than entering tournaments. I spend more time practicing Zazen meditation than practicing kumite.. that's just my spin on it.

 

motoko

[Fenris-wolf]

how about those who train purely for the love and appreciation of the art?

 

surely if you train seriously, then you will having fun, getting fit, learning about the art, learning how to defend yourself, learning how to fight, learning how not to fight...

 

I'm with you!

 

Hell yeah! I ticked "tournaments and self-defence", although I was kinda torn by the "fun" thing... But now I've started Muay Thai I'm hanging out for my first fight.

 

But baisically I just love martial arts. I always have. People think I'm mad, going so often, but everything; the people, the discipline, the spirituality if you will, everything is so... me, I guess.

[karatekid1975]

I do have to admit that it (MA) taught me more than self defense. I got more confidence, self esteem ..... those I never had before MA. The mental side is a big part for me

[shotochem]

Hi Laurie,

 

I do have to admit that it (MA) taught me more than self defense. I got more confidence, self esteem ..... those I never had before MA. The mental side is a big part for me

 

One thing always leads to another.......

 

IMO MA helped me get in better physical shape. Once I got onto better shape I became more confident which brings about higher self esteem.

 

Once you have these things your mental disipline is surly to improve.

 

Could you not gain this benifit from other physical activties as well?

 

Dont sell yourself short you helped yourself you had it in you and made a decision to train in the first place

 

I personally have benifited greatly from my training but if I did not put in the effort and hard work it wouldnt have mattered. You worked hard you are the one that improved yourself. ( Ive been getting philosophical lately )

[aes]

To me the question goes deeper than just saying you train for Tournaments and Self Defense. I train for physical fitness, self confidence, focus skills and just because I find it very interesting.