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Articles>
Martial Arts Aren't Just For Kids...
February 2, 2006
Walk into most martial arts schools and you'll be likely to
see classes full of kids. You might even see classes mixed
with kids and adults. Sights like these turn many adults
away from the possibility of actually training themselves
and even reinforce common misconceptions about martial
arts. There are so many great reasons that disprove these
misconceptions, however, that you owe it to yourself and
your body to read this article and to open your mind to at
least the possibility of training martial arts.
1. You may think you're too old to start.
You're never too old to start training martial arts -
whether your 18 or 78, your body will thank you for it!
There are so many physical benefits to training martial
arts; it's difficult to know where to begin. First of all,
training martial arts increases flexibility. Increased
flexibility will give you better posture, more ability to
relax your muscles and lower occurrences of injuries. Even
if you're currently physically active, martial arts will
bring your physical conditioning to a new level. You'll be
working your entire body and reaching a variety of muscle
groups with each workout. When training martial arts, there
isn't a need to "alternate" muscle groups because the
workout is always changing. Finally, training martial arts
is a great way to burn those extra calories and to lose
weight.
2. You suspect that you're not in the physical condition
necessary to do such an activity.
If you find the right school and the right instructor, your
training will move at a pace that's compatible with your
abilities and conditioning. This will allow you to move as
fast or as slow as you need to remain comfortable in your
training. Training martial arts with the right instructor
will also lesson your chances of suffering an injury. Your
instructor will be there to monitor your moves to make sure
you're not making a mistake that could potentially be
injurious.
3. You think it will be easier to just join a gym and lift
weights.
You could get many of the same benefits of training martial
arts by joining a gym, but there are some benefits of
martial arts that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Martial
arts give you a full body workout - both cardio and
conditioning - at every session. At a gym, you have to plan
ahead to make sure you're reaching every muscle group
during conditioning and still have time to do a cardio
workout as well. In addition to that, training martial arts
with an instructor is like having a personal trainer with
you at all of your workouts.
Training martial arts also gives you a mental workout like
nothing else. While most people say that any physical
activity can reduce stress, martial arts goes one step
further. The inner balance needed to participate in these
activities puts you in tune with your body better than any
other physical activity. You cannot do martial arts while
reading a magazine or day dreaming about your upcoming
vacation. You will be focusing on the here and now and that
will help you clear you mind and better be able to deal
with the daily stresses of life after your workout.
4. You don't want to have a class with a bunch of kids.
If you cannot find a school that can give individual
instruction, you can look for classes that are strictly for
adults. Classes like this often become people's highlight
of the week. You'll soon find yourself looking forward to
the fun and excitement of getting together with your
group.
5. You don't think you have the time to spend on a new
activity.
The focus and concentration you develop while training
martial arts will carry over into all parts of your life.
You may not realize it now, but the hours during the week
that you spend training in your martial art will actually
help you make better use of your time outside of your
training. You'll be able to focus on your job, home and
family. You'll be able to concentrate and get your tasks
done more efficiently. Training martial arts is also a
spiritual experience that can help you have inner peace -
yet another quality to help you get through your busy
schedule more easily.
Still not completely convinced that adults can successfully
start martial arts training? Do some research and find a
great school in your area to give it a try. I'll even make
it easier for you. Just contact me and I'll send you my
free guide on how to choose a martial arts school.
Sincerely,
Robert Jones
Master Instructor
The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
P.S. My 3 studios are located in Lynnwood, Kent, and
Bellevue, Washington. If you live near one of those
locations, please contact me. info@kungfutemple.com or
1-800-508-6141
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