Martial arts is the practice of mind, body and spirit. Presented in an assortment of disciplines including karate, aikido, judo, kung fu and tae kwon do students learn self-discipline and self-defense through daily training. More about learning the body and conditioning the mind, martial arts also teaches students about self-defense through weaponless training. Today, more than 200,000 students countrywide participate in one form of martial arts or another. People choose to study martial arts for a variety of reasons: to acquire self-defense techniques; to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and self-esteem; and to enjoy the artistic expression of the sport.

Mind

Martial arts training begins with conditioning of the mind. Students must first learn to identify when it is appropriate to use martial arts training and when it is inappropriate. Martial arts are not about fighting. Instead, it is about learning how to escape confrontation. If confrontation becomes unavoidable, martial arts may be employed as a way to protect oneself from physical harm. It is vital that young martial arts students understand this before beginning his or her training. Learning discipline and strengthening the mind is fundamental in every area of martial arts training. Many of these disciplines help students better understand themselves and their environment by teaching relaxation and meditative techniques. Through these techniques, martial arts students become more aware of their self and better understand the principals on which martial arts were founded.

Body

Physically, martial arts training is an excellent way to stay in shape while learning new techniques that help shape the body. Through stretching, calisthenics and repeated movement, the body is conditioned amd kept in peak physical condition. Through years of practice, martial arts techniques can teach one to push the limits of the human body. Often times such practice can lead to abilities otherwise considered impossible. Although it is by no means a painless or speedy process, martial arts teaches the body that physical limits are mere the matter of perception, and that through dedicated training and discipline even the most improbable feats are within one’s reach.

Spirit

Martial arts teach students many things about self-discipline, courage and patience. Its teachings help individuals discover thing about themselves that otherwise may go unnoticed. Through practice, students learn that martial arts are about more than roundhouses, throws and punches. They learn that martial arts are about looking within to find how one should deal with outside influence. Young students benefit greatly by learning  martial arts. By starting at an early age, young students form a base on which they can build for the rest of their lives. By teaching the importance of inner strength, patience and understanding, students become more involved in the world around them, and are less likely to resort to destructive physical activities in the future.

 
Like other activities, students of martial arts should be awarded for their achievements. During competition, students are often awarded with trophies and awards and plaques. These awards give students something tangible on which to reflect. Presented for an assortment of accomplishments, martial arts awards provide positive reinforcement.

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