| People often wonder why karate is such a popular | | | | such obstacles through their constant and rigorous |
| activity. There must be a primary reason why | | | | training. |
| someone would get involved in the martial arts. | | | | 6. A New Challenge - Are you tired of doing the same |
| Actually there are many reasons for embarking on the | | | | old thing day in and day out? Do you feel that you |
| study of martial arts but generally the main motivations | | | | need a new direction in your life? A simple solution is |
| boil down to my "Top Ten Reasons to Start Karate". | | | | to try something different and karate is a great activity |
| So think about what your main reason for starting | | | | with many hidden benefits - just look at this "Top Ten" |
| karate is (or was) and see if it matches my "Top Ten". | | | | list! Why not give it a try? |
| 1. Self-Defense - Were you ever bullied at school? | | | | 7. Social Interaction - Human beings by their nature |
| Have you ever worried about how to protect yourself | | | | need social interaction with other human beings. Often |
| and your family in a dangerous situation or | | | | this need is met at home or at work but these |
| environment? Well, it seems that you're not alone | | | | environments are not always the most harmonious of |
| because thousands of other current martial arts | | | | places. Why not step out of your comfort zone? How |
| practitioners say that self-defense skills for today's | | | | about you make some new friends who share a |
| world are the primary motivating factor for them to | | | | common goal - that of self-improvement! |
| enroll in karate classes. | | | | 8. Spiritual Growth - Confusion in our modern world is a |
| 2. Health and Fitness - Had enough of generic gym | | | | cause of immense stress and the need for spiritual |
| workouts? Sick and tired of the same old aerobics | | | | guidance is great. Many people turn to religion for the |
| class with that annoying music? Many other people | | | | answers to this angst, some people begin meditation |
| have had enough too and are now turning to the | | | | or yoga, and others are turning to martial arts to |
| martial arts as a great way to improve their health and | | | | reconnect with themselves and discover the true being |
| fitness while gaining many additional benefits through | | | | within. Any of these methods can provide answers; it's |
| their training. | | | | up to you to discover which one works best for you |
| 3. Discipline - This seems to be the number one reason | | | | personally. |
| quoted by parents of young children for joining a | | | | 9. Learning about a New Culture - Many modern |
| karate club. Discipline is one of the core tenets of the | | | | martial arts can trace their roots back to different |
| martial arts and if you are already the parent of a "wild | | | | countries such as China, India, Japan, Korea, Greece, |
| child", then it's not too late to change their behavior | | | | Philippines, Thailand, and numerous other countries. As |
| through the time-tested methods of a qualified karate | | | | the martial arts provide such a culturally rich |
| instructor. | | | | background, they are often a great initial introduction to |
| 4. Confidence - Do you lack self-confidence? Come | | | | learning about our wider world, its history and its |
| on, be honest - do you tend to do what others tell you | | | | diverse cultures. |
| to do, or do you stand up for yourself and lead the | | | | 10. Because my Friend told me it was Fun - Have you |
| way in your life? The fact is that the majority of | | | | ever watched a movie because a friend |
| people follow the crowd instead of leading the pack. | | | | recommended it? Have you bought a new pair of |
| The study of martial arts is the perfect template for | | | | shoes because you were told they were extremely |
| developing core leadership skills and improving | | | | comfortable? How about a new car? There are many |
| self-confidence and many people are beginning to | | | | examples in everyday life where we act based on |
| notice this. Have you noticed yet? | | | | trust in our loved ones' opinions. Beginning karate is no |
| 5. Self-Control - This can be defined as being the ability | | | | different and in many ways studying martial arts is a |
| to appropriately monitor your own behavior and natural | | | | referral-based business. |
| impulses when put under pressure by life's everyday | | | | So these are "The Top Ten Reasons to Start Karate" |
| challenges. The way you react to negative events or | | | | and if you haven't "stepped out on the mat" yet then I |
| stress often defines who you are. Martial artists are | | | | sincerely hope you take action soon. If you are already |
| by no means impervious to the trials and tribulations of | | | | a karate practitioner, then congratulations on taking the |
| life but they are often better equipped to deal with | | | | first step on your rewarding journey. |