There are a number of reasons why you might want to take up a martial art. The regular physical practice can help you keep fit, build confidence, and let off steam. In the right environment you can learn effective self-defense, or become a tournament competitor (they are different). A martial art can also be a gateway into Japanese or Okinawan culture.
.
Most people who practice martial arts today actually don’t fall into the category of a “fully dedicated” practitioner, because in today’s world, the martial arts are largely a sport or hobby, and not a necessary component for daily survival.
.
While for a select few, martial arts may be their lifestyle, most people who try martial arts today often quit in a few months time or stick around for a few years at most.
.
No matter what martial art, or what style you practice, you should think of it more than just a hobby, it should become a style of life.
.
No martial art is better than another, even though there are many martial arts groups who think theirs is the best, strongest and the ultimate. It is always dependent on the person. Therefore, instead of telling everyone yours is the best, why not put down the energy and effort into yourself and grow as a martial artist?
.
There is a difference between practicing martial arts and training and studying them. The person who “practices” shows up for class and goes through the motions. The person who “trains” in the martial arts, trains regularly, continually monitoring his or her progress and adjusting their training to maintain momentum, and constantly improve.
.
The truth is, that martial arts training never ends. The more you train, the more your art will become a part of who you are. In fact, you are constantly training. How you move throughout your day, how you walk, how you sit at your desk, how you think, all can reflect the principles of your martial art. This level of integration can even carry over to your interactions with other people.
.
Your goal should be to train for the rest of your life. Understand that it is not just punching, kicking, or how many push-ups and sit-ups you can do.
.
The martial arts are very deep, with a vast wealth of knowledge. A student could practice a single style for their whole life and still not learn it all.
.
A lifelong study of martial arts is a wonderful goal, since each martial art is an endless road to be traveled as far as you can. The deeper you go into your training, the more you will see that progress in the dojo is fueled by your lifestyle out of it.
.
When you choose the path of martial arts, you also select a way of change and growth. Your lifestyle will bend to suit your goals in the dojo and serve you in everything you do.
.
Are you reflecting the respect and balance that your martial arts have taught you?
.
Don’t just practice at a specific time of the day or week…. Live your art.
.
“In sports, time exists. In the martial arts there is only the present.” – Taisen Deshimaru, “The Zen Way to the Martial Arts”.
.
.
 Photo Credit: with thanks to James Sumarac. Quote from interview with Michiro Noguchi, etsukoukai.jp
.
.