Why Do You Study Martial Arts?

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?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

James

 

Yes i chose other too for the same reasons.

 

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

 

i also secretly wanted to kick ass

 

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.

 

hate to admitt it but i agree with V

 

Alrighty Then...

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.

 

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...

 

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

 

Good One

LMAO Nice.

 

id go get a guard dog...and hire goons

 

Do this:

.....MATRIX!

 

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"

 

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!

 

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

 

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