In this section we’ll discuss benefits of martial arts study. We’ve already itemized many of the common benefits our outcomes that many people hope to gain from martial arts for themselves or their children. When you begin calling around or visiting martial arts schools I strongly recommend you make a list of your specific reasons based on the two lists in the previous section. Whether you are shopping for yourself or your children, first make certain you know just what you are looking for. Review the list in the table below and add any other reasons, benefits or desired outcomes you hope to gain from your adventure into the martial arts.
Meditation helps calm the soul and sharpen your focus for learning13
Benefits of Martial Arts
Self-Confidence
Self-Defense
Self-Discipline
Physical Fitness
Goal setting
Improved focus and concentration Respect for authority and others Self-Respect
Now that you have given it some thought and hopefully gotten a better idea of what you are searching for let me assure you that once you find a suitable school, regardless of what reasons you are interested in entering the study of martial arts I am certain you will find it invigorating and rewarding on many levels and you may even realize some benefits that you had never anticipated.
One side benefit of my study of martial arts is that when I first enrolled and earned my white belt, there was a very attractive blond in my white belt class who had signed up at the same time. She apparently had her eye on me while I was only focused on martial arts and developing the strength and stamina to continue on through the ranks. Four years later we were married and four years after that we opened the United Karate Institute of Self Defense, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia with three other instructors - not a bad side benefit. Certainly, I had not ever expected that signing up for martial arts would lead me to owning and managing a school and meeting my future wife!
14 At this point you have a list of reasons why you are interested in martial arts and what you hope to get out of it. Something to keep in mind however, is that martial arts and martial arts schools are not silver bullets. By that I mean that the instructors and curriculum and are not miracle cures for all that ails you or all that you hope to achieve. They can provide encouragement, structure and educate you to varying degrees on the basic values and qualities that will help you satisfy your needs. You will need to do much work to develop any skill, level or knowledge or personal qualities to reach the goals you have set for yourself or your child. Do not put all the burden or responsibility on the shoulders of your martial arts instructor.
Before you start looking for a martial arts school there are a few more things you will need to consider.