How has your life changed for the better as a result of training in the martial arts?
I think it's an important question to ask yourself, as it often reveals far more benefits than you may have imagined.
This is also an important question to ask your students – and the parents of your young students – as it enables them to more clearly see the value of your program.
Give it a fair amount of consideration. Perhaps write all of the many benefits you've hopefully gained, as I have. It would be interesting to see what you guys come up with.
How has your life changed for the better as a result of training in the martial arts?
ReplyDeleteI have considered this everyday of my life that I have trained, since 1989. I started karate at the late age of 35 after mulling it over for two. I was in awe of some of the background material and protocols. My wife claims I just needed structure. Just not important enough and it cost money. I wanted to give myself discipline in the theater, to help me to have confidence and focus on the task at hand. Side benefits I had forgotten how to breathe. I recognized this when I could suddenly hold those long notes in songs again. Health and weight has always been an issue, but I believe karate has kept me healthier. Martial arts training has given me the confidence, in many things. I have a better perspective of life and death, better in my religious beliefs of Christianity and a fascination with Japanese and other Asian cultures. I enjoy the calmness of Chan No Ryu, the precision of Shotokan and the adaptibility of Shorin Ryu. Different styles came by relocation. Everywhere I have been since a yellow belt I have trained kids and some adults. It gives one a personal satisfaction in watching their personal development. I feel like I am giving them life skills. To the world just an average ordinary guy, but martial arts gives me the discipline and the focus to feel much more.
Karate so far has taught me perseverance, given me the toughness to go the extra mile with challenges and perhaps a little more patience. The karate training reminds me to manage the amount of energy spent to work on an endeavor and when to relax and break. Karate has given me a life long challenge and hope, more training only conjures up more wonders and questions such as how to improve a particular technique, how far I can hone my skills to take it to the edge, and in contrast how to make peace with myself to harmonize with my environments.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael and Shawn. There's so many benefits and they are added to over time, as you've spent more time in them and as you reach different stages in your life. I can tell you I'm extremely thankful I made the choice to become in them and to dedicate my life to their pursuit.
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