This weekend I was having a discussion with my friend regarding
enrolling her son (and potentially herself) in martial arts classes. She
liked the idea of having a structured environment for him, and
potentially even learning protection skills for herself. Shortly after
that discussion, I headed over to my Taekwondo studio for a Saturday
practice and outside the doors, I overheard a couple discussing
enrolling their son in classes and the wife commented “That’s just what
we need, our son learning how to fight.”
Well, that comment set me off because that’s the main misconception I hear about martial arts. With the rising popularity of MMA (mixed martial arts), the public perception of martial arts is the out-for-blood mentality exhibited by these fighters, who, while enormously skilled in their own right, have given the public the appearance that all martial arts are all about “Kicking someone’s ass.” That’s not the point at all! (At least in the schools I’ve chosen to attend!)
In my practice, the “art” in martial arts is emphasized, and the self defense skills taught in class are to be used only in the most extreme circumstances, and only after all other options for diffusing the situation have been attempted. The martial artist should be able to distinguish a situation where talking, removing themselves from the situation, or surrendering a wallet or car keys will resolve the solution. Things can be replaced, people cannot. There is a huge difference between a student at their elementary school being pushed because another kid wants to play with the soccer ball and a stranger grabbing a child to abduct them. And therefore, the reaction to both of these scenarios will also be different.
Having the knowledge of a fighting skill is not only important for the defense aspect, but also in the knowledge to avoid a situation where those skills never need be used in the first place.
While other sports and activities build the concepts teamwork, improve physical fitness and operate with rules and structure, martial artists learn the additional skills of self-discipline, self-control, respect for themselves and others, and a skill set for their own protection. While a martial artist works with their teammates and fellow competitors, unlike a team win, every student is responsible for their own progress and advancement. Being continually tested for advancement and performing in competitions creates a gauge for each to evaluate their own knowledge and work to improve themselves.
So, with the common perception that martial arts is just about fighting, here is my list regarding my sport, my art and my way of life.
The top reasons to enroll in a martial arts class:
1) Learn a skill used for self defense, or the defense of others, if necessary.
2) Gain physical fitness, strength, flexibility and confidence.
3) Train in an environment fostering the improvement of yourself and others all working to a common goal.
4) Being a martial artist is not just a hobby, but a way of life, emphasizing the tenants of your art throughout your entire life, not just in your school during your hour of class, but ALL days and times.
5) Practicing leadership skills from partnering, teaching, assisting lower belt ranks, and being accountable for your own learning.
6) Testing yourself regularly and working for improvement by regular belt testing.
7) Being in a school emphasizing respect, self-control, discipline and physical and mental conditioning.
8) Becoming a black belt is a milestone, but truly emphasizes just the beginning of the journey. The great thing about martial arts is that there is always more to learn.
9) Competition opportunities at local, national and international levels, if so desired.
10) Camaraderie, companionship, life-long friendships, and amazing experiences with a dedicated group of people.
While every school is different, and finding the one that works best for your preferences, (such as my friend preferring a female instructor, or if you are looking for a school that is focused on elite competition, or one that is family-friendly, etc…) and the instructor that works best for your needs is important, there is a whole world of experience waiting for you behind those dojang doors.
“A black belt is not about the destination, but the journey.”
Well, that comment set me off because that’s the main misconception I hear about martial arts. With the rising popularity of MMA (mixed martial arts), the public perception of martial arts is the out-for-blood mentality exhibited by these fighters, who, while enormously skilled in their own right, have given the public the appearance that all martial arts are all about “Kicking someone’s ass.” That’s not the point at all! (At least in the schools I’ve chosen to attend!)
In my practice, the “art” in martial arts is emphasized, and the self defense skills taught in class are to be used only in the most extreme circumstances, and only after all other options for diffusing the situation have been attempted. The martial artist should be able to distinguish a situation where talking, removing themselves from the situation, or surrendering a wallet or car keys will resolve the solution. Things can be replaced, people cannot. There is a huge difference between a student at their elementary school being pushed because another kid wants to play with the soccer ball and a stranger grabbing a child to abduct them. And therefore, the reaction to both of these scenarios will also be different.
Having the knowledge of a fighting skill is not only important for the defense aspect, but also in the knowledge to avoid a situation where those skills never need be used in the first place.
While other sports and activities build the concepts teamwork, improve physical fitness and operate with rules and structure, martial artists learn the additional skills of self-discipline, self-control, respect for themselves and others, and a skill set for their own protection. While a martial artist works with their teammates and fellow competitors, unlike a team win, every student is responsible for their own progress and advancement. Being continually tested for advancement and performing in competitions creates a gauge for each to evaluate their own knowledge and work to improve themselves.
So, with the common perception that martial arts is just about fighting, here is my list regarding my sport, my art and my way of life.
The top reasons to enroll in a martial arts class:
1) Learn a skill used for self defense, or the defense of others, if necessary.
2) Gain physical fitness, strength, flexibility and confidence.
3) Train in an environment fostering the improvement of yourself and others all working to a common goal.
4) Being a martial artist is not just a hobby, but a way of life, emphasizing the tenants of your art throughout your entire life, not just in your school during your hour of class, but ALL days and times.
5) Practicing leadership skills from partnering, teaching, assisting lower belt ranks, and being accountable for your own learning.
6) Testing yourself regularly and working for improvement by regular belt testing.
7) Being in a school emphasizing respect, self-control, discipline and physical and mental conditioning.
8) Becoming a black belt is a milestone, but truly emphasizes just the beginning of the journey. The great thing about martial arts is that there is always more to learn.
9) Competition opportunities at local, national and international levels, if so desired.
10) Camaraderie, companionship, life-long friendships, and amazing experiences with a dedicated group of people.
While every school is different, and finding the one that works best for your preferences, (such as my friend preferring a female instructor, or if you are looking for a school that is focused on elite competition, or one that is family-friendly, etc…) and the instructor that works best for your needs is important, there is a whole world of experience waiting for you behind those dojang doors.
“A black belt is not about the destination, but the journey.”
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