Why Do You Study Martial Arts? [Archive]

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BentMonk

09-Apr-2007, 07:38 PM

Why do you study martial arts? I began studying to improve my physical ability and defend myself. I chose CMA because I have always had a facination with the intrernal arts. So why do you study martial arts?

Angelus

10-Apr-2007, 04:22 AM

try to be able to focus on doing one thing and doing it well :D

sue1

10-Apr-2007, 06:35 AM

I started because of my daughter (long story) not expecting to keep it up for long but found that I really enjoyed it. I am not good at it - and never will be - but I have managed to keep up so far.
For me the most important reason is enjoyment so I have answered other but it does also have the secondary reasons of improving me physically, providing me with a mental challenge and (hopefully) enabling me to defend myself if necessary - but I hope this last one is never put to the test.

Sue

Cosmo Kramer

10-Apr-2007, 08:01 AM

should be able to pick more than one option, because I study for all three of those and more.

Visage

10-Apr-2007, 12:06 PM

I chose other, because I train for all three of the above options.

James

Hiroji

10-Apr-2007, 12:14 PM

Yes i chose other too for the same reasons.

;)

Victoria

10-Apr-2007, 12:21 PM

Me too. I think a general 'development' option might have been better :D That should just about cover everything...

Angelus

10-Apr-2007, 05:38 PM

i also secretly wanted to kick ass :o

jkzorya

10-Apr-2007, 06:46 PM

I voted for fighting ability, but as a beneficial side effect I was able to throw away my orthotic heel raises and within two years was able to put my left foot back down roughly flat on the ground and walk around again. I can still box better than I can walk though.

g-bells

10-Apr-2007, 07:39 PM

Me too. I think a general 'development' option might have been better :D That should just about cover everything...

hate to admitt it but i agree with V

BentMonk

10-Apr-2007, 07:48 PM

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I used "Other" because it is a generic term that can encompass a multitude of answers. I also limited the choices in an effort to get people to really examine why they train. I began training MA for physical improvement and self defense. I am now in the best shape of my life, and have fought in enough tournaments (one was a full contact exhibition match...I won) to know that I can defend myself. My primary motivation for training is now to become the best teacher I can be. I still push myself physically and mentally. I still love to spar hard. Teaching adds a whole new dynamic. In order to teach effectively, I must increase my in depth understanding of even the simplest of movements. It's been a tremendous challenge, but it's also been a whole lot of fun.

Hiroji

10-Apr-2007, 08:19 PM

Also...as i mentioned in another thread similar to this one...i train because they are out there...they are seeking me...they are on their way...they are coming for me...i have to be ready...i have to prepare myself so that when the time comes...when they find me...i will be ready to fight...

Light123

10-Apr-2007, 09:04 PM

I followed my heart to it. Gawrsh, my heart is smart now i feel like i want to live in the gym :D

BentMonk

10-Apr-2007, 09:20 PM

Angelus

10-Apr-2007, 09:23 PM

Light123

10-Apr-2007, 09:54 PM

Do this:

.....MATRIX!

:D

Pu jin

10-Apr-2007, 10:57 PM

checked 'other' cause it was 'all of the above'

I took up MA for self-defence originally, plus I was interested in Eastern philosophy and ideas. It improved me physically and mentally too.
I was already quite violent and knew how to fight before I started, so I wanted to learn more self-control and emotional balance. These days I don't snap and hit people any more.

When I had a mental breakdown ten years ago, practising my forms was the only thing I could do to calm my mind and slow me down.
It saved my life.

Now I practise for no particular reason other than perhaps a "love of the art"

jkzorya

11-Apr-2007, 11:21 PM

Well done for making it through to the other side pu jin :)

I wanted to add that learning to fight was especially important for me because with only one good hip I could never run away. It's stand and fight or nothing!

shoushutiger

11-Apr-2007, 11:32 PM

had to choose other due to the fact that i train for mental physical and fighting also i find that it helps in the search for balance inside ones self

Canuck

12-Apr-2007, 01:46 AM

Fighting ability. The whole reason I even started martial arts was to protect myself and others in time of need. As corny as that might sound :rolleyes:

jkzorya

12-Apr-2007, 07:07 PM

The whole reason I even started martial arts was to protect myself and others in time of need. As corny as that might sound :rolleyes:

Sounds spot on to me. :)

inosanto1

23-Apr-2007, 07:48 PM

not into anything else, never have been never will be . my heart is in training from an early age :D

feijao_cbla

24-Apr-2007, 03:37 PM

I chose other because I train for all of those reasons and more.

I was actually introduced at a young age to Karate and Senuces Ryu ju jitsu at a young age. It helped me stay out of trouble and in shape. I continue to train now because I want to be better, faster and stronger. I want my children to be able to look up to me and be proud.

I also train capoeira partially as a link to my ancesters who were enslaved and died so that I can live the way I do today. Out of respect and honor for my own people to prepetuate our culture.

And to kick butt and look good doing it.

Hahaha :D

MA_Angel

24-Apr-2007, 09:57 PM

I chose "Mental Improvement" because in a spiritual sense when I was young, I felt as though there was something missing in my life in terms of being able to do something to challenge my mind from time to time. I really enjoy how Martial Arts has taught me how to keep improving my self awareness and things like that.

armanox

29-Apr-2007, 02:53 AM

Hmm......anger managment(mental), fun (mental), physical activity, and actually learning something about combat is a plus too.

Infrazael

30-Apr-2007, 11:30 PM

I get to wear snazzy Kung Fu Pajamas, make big circular motions in the air, and speak in Ancient tongues of the Chinese empire.

What more could a man (or woman) ask for?

TM77

01-May-2007, 04:06 PM

All of the above.

Mr_Miyagi

07-May-2007, 03:03 PM

initially to defend myself after being attacked; later for personal development reasons, and health...

jamie1976

07-May-2007, 05:41 PM

i know i can handle myself in most situations but wanted to get a little fitter and stronger and learn somthing at the same time not just run or push weights so here i am doing just that :yeleyes:

jamie

Joshua Powell

25-May-2007, 05:51 PM

I would deffinitely say other. Before when I started training in the martial arts it was for physical improvement, it really helped, but I feel that at this time I am at the point where I can do most physical things on my own. One of the rules that the martial arts that I teach and train in is "we only fight to protect our lives and the lives of others" and that's why I train in the martial arts, is to learn how to protect people.