Benefits of Karate for Adults
Training in the martial arts is essentially a process of change. A weak person will become strong, while a strong person will learn to control and harness their strength. An aggressive individual will learn self-control, while the passive person will develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. Many of the benefits of martial arts training become apparent after only a few sessions and they continue to develop over many years.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Martial Arts training will see improvement in your strength, stamina and suppleness. At the beginning of class it is common practice to spend ten to fifteen minutes going through a series of exercises designed to prepare the body for training by warming up the muscles and stretching the joints. These exercises, combined with the effort involved in performing the punches, kicks, locks, throws and other techniques of the martial arts, have the effect of improving the trainee's level of health and fitness.
MENTAL ATTITUDE
As well as improving physical wellbeing, martial arts training develops a positive mental approach. University research indicates that those individuals who exercise regularly seem to show higher levels of emotional maturity, calmness and a greater ability to make accurate judgements when under pressure than those who do no training of any kind. As your fitness levels increase, so will your imagination, self-sufficiency and confidence, which manifest itself in a more positive attitude to life. This improvement occurs when you overcome difficult physical and psychological tasks. Remember, success comes from your own efforts and hard work.
SELF DISCIPLINE
According to the founders, leading teachers and our own experience, simply practicing techniques isn't enough to achieve mastery. You must strive to improve the moral and spiritual qualities of your life, constantly facing your own weaknesses and inadequacies with a view to self-improvement. This approach is usually known as 'the way' ('do' in Japanese,).
The most famous example of this way of life is known as Bushido (the way of the warrior) which was the code of honour followed by the Japanese samurai. It stresses responsibility for one's actions, respect between seniors and juniors, duty, honesty, obligation and the development of a strong spirit.
Like wise, the European knight had a similar code which stressed the virtues of Gallantry, Observation, Loyalty, Dexterity, Sympathy, Explicitness, Perseverance and Tact.
While these values may seem old-fashioned or excessive by modern standards, it is vital to maintain them, as without them there would be little or no morality to the martial arts, so allowing self-indulgence and brutality free rein.
SELF DEFENCE
Martial Arts will not only improve your ability to defend yourself against physical attack, but will also improve your speed, timing, awareness, mobility and striking ability. Sparring prepares you for a fight by exposing you to an opponent, so enabling them to experience the nerves or 'adrenaline rush' caused by facing a higher-graded or more skilful person.
It is the responsibility of all the instructors to teach not only technique but also the correct attitudes which are an integral part of the martial arts. It is most important to realize that the martial arts are not about developing well-trained thugs, but training well balanced people, good luck in your journey.
Benefits of Karate For Children
As a Karate instructor for the last 26 years I have found that karate training often provides many benefits to youngsters beyond that offered by other sports. The introverted youngster often begins to blossom when he or she learns karate. The structured drills that involve punching, kicking, and yelling help the youngster overcome shyness and timidity. The anxious or worried child becomes more confident and assertive as they learn to move and control their body. He or she learns to work and compete with others in a friendly and safe environment. Self-confidence and self-esteem grow. Many parents report a marked increase in the child’s social interactions. The youngster feels less threatened by other children or new situations. As a result, there is often more of a willingness to become more involved with others.
The extroverted youngster has a safe, healthy outlet in which to compete with themselves and others. Youngsters are taught how to avoid trouble and challenges. They learn to have enough self-confidence that they need not respond to teasing or provocation from peers.
The aggressive child is taught the self-discipline that aids in keeping anger under control. He or she learns that fighting is merely a way of showing off and that showing off is a sign of low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence.
Karate training is a gross motor activity that helps youngsters develop a sense of integrity about their bodies. Balance, coordination, posture, and general movements improve with karate training. The pre-adolescent, in particular, finds that karate training helps him or her cope with the clumsiness that often accompanies the spurt of growth at this age.
Karate also offers an additional bonus that other sports do not provide. Karate teaches self-defense. In the unsettling times in which we live, knowledge of how to protect oneself can be crucial. Parents often report feeling more secure knowing their sons or daughters are capable of defending themselves.
Encourage and support your youngster’s involvement. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results. And, who knows, you may want to try a class yourself!
