Why the Martial Arts? [Archive] - BudoSeek! Martial Arts Community Forums

sooner_sadiq

04-15-2005, 22:47

when i originally began my martial arts training it was about 50/50 as far as self-defense and sport. being competitive my whole life due to wrestling i felt competent on the ground and joined a tkd/hap ki do class and loved it. it gave me the oppurtunity to compete and still work on my striking abilities. then i started bouncing and realized everyone wasnt playing by the same rules. then i switched to sadiq kali silat to round off my skills and add to my grappling game. now i train because im always amazed at the different techniques and approaches to every situation that each style takes. im always learning and it is interesting. i mean where else can u stay in shape and learn to break arms at the same time :wink2: well thats about all for me.

Andrew Green

04-15-2005, 23:40

Why did you begin your martial arts?

Ninja Turtles
[/QUOTE]
What was your goal and has it changed?
[/QUOTE]

Defeat Shredder, no.

What makes you get off the couch and train everyday?

Threat of attack from the foot clan

Or a more serious answer - I't fun, thats it. No other reasons.

Humble78

04-16-2005, 00:26

I chose fitness but most of the choices fit what I was looking for.

Dwayne H. Raper

gr455h0pp3r

04-16-2005, 10:36

I went to Daito Ryu because i wanted a japanese art.
I now do Wing Chun because its bad bebe,
and by bad, i mean toatlly sweet! :laugh:
but serious, all aspects of training are good, i voted "Other".

JessePasley

04-16-2005, 10:44

girls and booze

Iron Dove

04-16-2005, 16:43

its just a part of me, since i started at such a young age i havent been able to give it up even when i tried, i guess that makes me an addict?

Aaron T Fields

04-16-2005, 17:06

fun..plain and simple

Aaron Fields

sim3012

04-17-2005, 09:32

To kick butt and to have fun doing it. :D

redqueen290

04-18-2005, 14:41

I live in an EXTREMELY small town and theres absolutly nothing better to do than hang out at the dojo all day and train.

jakmak52

04-18-2005, 16:18

I actually began martial arts because I saw an infomercial on TV that promoted a dojo close to my home. I stopped by and interviwed with the marketing director who sold me on the spot, I was reluctant being an an older fellow and had a physical disabilty in my left shoulder from a .45 round causing some limited ROM, but he said we could work around that, and off I went into the wonderful world of Tae Kwon Do!! That was November 11, 1993. I've been at it ever since.
Changed my life profoundly. My goal was the coveted Black Belt, learning to defend myself,being able to compete someday, and a clearer, more postive outlook on myself and the world around me. It has done that in spades. What keeps me off the couch? I can still get off the couch :laugh: :bow:

Patrick Hayes

04-18-2005, 17:12

Why martial arts? The dojo is one of the few places where a fully-grown man can prance around in a big, black, pleated skirt and have it viewed as perfectly normal. Our dojo was across the street from two popular bars, and next door to a third, and after doing a lot of late-night training on weekends, let me tell you: chicks dig guys in skirts! ;)
What gets me off the couch? Lying down puts creases in my skirt! :laugh:

Gene Williams

04-19-2005, 21:49

You know how a hakama got its name? The first guy who had to wear one looked at it and said, "Hakama gotta' wear 'dis dress?" :D

dao

04-30-2005, 02:01

It started with fitness. It changed and I've gone through stages of all the reasons you said.

semi c

05-01-2005, 01:20

You know how a hakama got its name? The first guy who had to wear one looked at it and said, "Hakama gotta' wear 'dis dress?" :D dude that cracked me up :laugh:

My father originally started me in Martial Arts when I was a younger, because I had "no concentration and too much energy" (don't all kids?). Unfortunately I had to stop due to parental money constraints.

Years later I took it up again, but this time for self-defense.

RickMatz

05-04-2005, 14:32

The groupies.

Mandeigh Wells

05-04-2005, 16:51

Why martial arts? The dojo is one of the few places where a fully-grown man can prance around in a big, black, pleated skirt and have it viewed as perfectly normal. except Scotland where it is multi coloured! Just goes to show how tough you REALLY are.....who is gonnie argue with a bloke who is tough enough to wear a skirt eh...eh!! :D

J4d3

05-13-2005, 04:11

i wasn't really worried about self defense but it is a nice benefit.i got into it just because i wanted to have more discipline in my life and i use MA as a means of learning more about myself as well as a tool to better myself.i love learning and growing and i think i learn a little something every time i go in the dojo.even if its practicing kata or techniques i've done countless times before.i'd be pretty foolish if i said i didn't need practice even in the basics and i believe it would be just as foolish to think that way when i'm at the levels of shodan and so forth.if i don't learn something new as far as technique goes i try to observe how sensei teaches because i to would like to teach one day and try to find out the ins and outs of each technique so as to be a better sensei if/when that day comes.i guess thats a long answer to a short question.so in one word discipline.

Jared Sutton

05-14-2005, 18:50

It started out as an alternative because my dad said I was too small to play football, but now I think the reason I stay is because no other hobby, sport, physical activity, or whatever you want to call it can teach you more about your strengths and limits than the martial arts.

Oniw17

05-15-2005, 11:38

I started hapkido, actually for fitness, it was like conditioning for football when I was 8. Then when I was 10, I started watching the judo class that was right after the hapkido class that I took, and eventually started taking it. Just recently, I got into the more disciplinary part of hapkido, and a friend told me that I should take TKD,so I did. I guess that it's just fun now,I like the discipline that I've gained from hapkido though, and both judo and hapkido are very relaxing.

inwatari

05-18-2005, 18:39

I have several close friends who are involved in kenpo, and hapkido, have been for years. After spending years in a violent marriage, i got divorced and didn't want to go through that again. So it started with self defence, and has grown into a spiritual foundation of what i am.

jakmak52

05-18-2005, 18:45

RedMantis

05-26-2005, 04:58

I needed to toughen up as a kid, so it was TKD or boxing....

Well I liked the white suits!

Grei

05-27-2005, 19:02

I have a strong desire for combat... it seems to be in my blood on both sides. Though my father was more into guns, and my maternal grandfather into swords and the like.

Plus, I share something of a one-sided rivalry with a friend of mine. He does kenpo, and I know he could seriously kick my butt if he wanted to. Unless I had a staff. In which case he could only marginally kick my but.

I suppose that makes me competative...

jakmak52

05-27-2005, 19:30

Grei

05-27-2005, 19:39

Well, part of the reason that he kicks my butt is that I haven't had a whole lot of training. I've done a bit of fencing with my grandfather, then some Choy Li Fut, and picked up a bit of Kenpo from my friend, and am just now starting Soo Bahk Do.

My staff work is mostly instinctual and comes from watching videos of wushu and kung fu tournaments. Only reason I can almost hold my own here is that I've been doing it since I was like... 8. And he's not had a tremendous amount of weapons training either. I'm hoping to pick up some real training with it, but I haven't had much luck finding a place.

I'm only MOSTLY serious...

Oz82

06-03-2005, 18:27

... and both judo and hapkido are very relaxing.

Yeah, I get a lot of relaxation time after flying through the air and hitting the mat repeatedly! :)

inwatari

06-04-2005, 19:05

American Kick punch Karate is a combo of kick boxing and karate as you can imagine. I am mainly instructed in the Kung Fu aspect, but there are elements that are brought in from the other. Very linear and forward, where i find the kung fu to be fluid.

diamondgirl

06-09-2005, 16:27

I like hitting things with my fists. That's really it.

entorma

06-25-2005, 13:38

Yeah, I get a lot of relaxation time after flying through the air and hitting the mat repeatedly! :)

Thats hillarius, i laughed so hard. :laugh:

Sypherdarkangel

06-28-2005, 02:56

I started on Judo when I was around 6 and my teacher was a prison officer who worked with my dad.
Through the years with all sorts of insparation inc. Bruce Lee, demonstrations and the will to learn I have expanded my knowledge into different arts and with alot more to learn I can see my self staying with MA all my life.

Who can think of a better hobbie then MA? The choice is so vast there is no way of getting fed-up or stuck in a rutt.

moogong

06-29-2005, 11:52

I think the main reason was I wanted to learn self defense. The reason I stayed with martial arts is not he reason why I went to the first class. The reason I stayed with the arts is because I found it easy to stand still, punch when told to punch, kick when told to kick, and so on. That was easy...and almost mindless. After a few months I found nobody was telling me to do this stuff, I was doing on my own and actually processing in my mind on more an intellectual level. This was a huge confidense booster and gave me something to put time and effort into.

Mursi

06-29-2005, 22:47

I picked fitness, but its all of the above really. I was a runt growing up and started teaching myself whatever I could get my hands on; wrestling, boxing, whatever. Thought I’d try & compete and met some great friends. They taught me the right way; pointing out the habits I had acquired and helped me get better. Now I do it to for a combination of fitness & self-defense.

KayJay

07-01-2005, 17:28

My initial reply would have to be self defense...with self confidence ranking a very high second. Haven't been in long enough to change my mind yet but would like to reach the point of relaxation as my primary reason for sticking with it just as Bryan does. ;)

TIRAGION

07-02-2005, 20:53

Not even sure which one would be the main reason I started, I guess I always had the fighting spirit = got my rear kick by guys bigger and stronger, and was just to stubborn aka too dumb to run ;). So self-defense would be one of top ones. Several of my friends were doing it back when I started as far as I know I'm the only one taht still does it today. Why I stayed, I guess I do like being thrown around and the cute white pijamas are neat too. I would say that with MA its easier for you, or not. Some people can't live without it. Some can't ever get into it. Somewhat like certain people love stand up ex. TKD, other prefer grappling BJJ/Sambo. For me MA is like air if I don't do it I feel like a piece of me is not complete.

MA gives you things that you will not get anywhere else, Respect for oneself and for others, Control, physical endurance, and the way to deal with your demons. Ohh ... and the chicks dig it :wink2:

___________________________
Enjoy the journey, 'cause getting there is usually 99% of the fun

TIRAGION

07-02-2005, 21:08

neon

07-02-2005, 22:29

I started mainly for the purpose of losing weight. Later on I grew to see it as something that helped me overcome confidence problems.

:karate:

:bow:

moogong

07-02-2005, 22:32

Welcome to Budoseek, Donna. :)

Eye4NEye

07-11-2005, 15:25

I originally started for fitness. I had major discipline in my teens and exercised almost fanatically. During a relationship in my early 20's I got lazy and ended up really out of shape. I started martial arts because of a good friend and lost 80 pounds in the first year. After that I was hooked!

charvel pointy

07-16-2005, 12:50

I'm sure self defense in in there, but I'm certainly not conscious of it. I've been pretty successful avoiding SD sitreps, so it's not what I think about when I go to class.

I just think it's fun to train. I've also made some great friends, have gotten back in better shape too I suppose. I grew up in the 70's when all the MA hype was all over the place, I always wanted to do those things, though I can't now, nor probably ever will, it's still cool to me. heck, I've got my 6 year old into kungfu movies now and she loves the stuff as well.

charvel pointy

07-16-2005, 12:53

girls and booze

That's why I picked up guitar. Come to think of it, that's pretty much why I've chosen to do everything in my life, at least for the Girls part. Heck, my wife teases me because I pick my checkout girl at the grocery store by her looks, regardless of the line length. Hmmm, must be a Man thing, or an Italian thing, Nah, it's an Italian Man thing!!!
:wink2:

jakmak52

07-16-2005, 12:58

girls and booze

What a strange reason to study the martial arts :confused:

jakmak52

07-16-2005, 13:01

I've been pretty successful avoiding SD sitreps, so it's not what I think about when I go to class.

Just curious, what's SD sitreps?

charvel pointy

07-17-2005, 13:12

Self defense situations, i.e. fights.

jakmak52

07-17-2005, 13:17

Self defense situations, i.e. fights.

Thanks, 10-4 on that. What style of ITF TKD do you practice? I practice the Chang Hon version. :D

charvel pointy

07-17-2005, 16:46

Chang Hon forms as well, though our grandmaster added 2 forms of his own creation for Orange belt and high green. Extended out I guess for more testing fees?

Jason T Gatts

08-06-2005, 14:42

I became interested in the martial arts because of Saturday morning Kung Fu Theater and Chuck Norris movies (in the early 80's). With a 6 year old's childlike innocence (naivity) I began pursing the elitism of the Black Belt. After obtaining the Black Belt I realized that 100's of thousands of Black Belts worldwide wasn't exactly elite. I continue to train and teach because there is nothing in my life that I do better.

Aikido_Girl918

08-06-2005, 19:28

Why did I want to join? I thought it would be fun. Why did my parents let me join? Self-defence. since then I have come to see it as a way of life. My goals are to become a better person and to one day be a sensei, when my sensei thinks I am ready. It is more to me than anything else in my life, it is to me, as Bruce Baker (babaker) put it, a drug, but none the less it is a good thing in my life.

outinthecountry

08-08-2005, 00:22

I started doing IsshinRyu when I was just barely 6, so it was more something my parents enrolled me in because they thought I would have fun. I had always been interested in martial arts, so they decided to let me do it. I continue to train because it's become a part of who I am. I wouldn't be the same person without it. I've been teaching others since I was 8, and I have been heading classes since I was 10. I even briefly ran one of my sensei's dojos from the age of 12-14. These opportunities have given me great experiences, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Teaching only seems to deepen your love for the martial arts.

MMAfighter

08-09-2005, 12:13

Self defence, fitness, friends who do martial arts so i can beat them, discipline, and for fighting

evvad

09-01-2005, 17:27

For me it sortof reluctantly began for fun (my girl-to-be convinced me to join).
I had always liked MA moves and anime, I also had never been in a fight so the self defence aspekt wasn't big on me.

That was a year ago.

In that time it has developed into a lot more. My MA got me much more active, and got me thinking about self defence. My shoulders have expanded so much it's like puberty has hit me all over again. :P

poetic misjustice

09-02-2005, 19:30

i can't actually remember what it was that made me join it was when i was very young, my parents encouraged me, they wanted me to learn self-defense, but now that i'm older i stay for the self improvement aspect as well as the training itself, also it's only career i've ever considered (my carrers advisor didn't see my answer coming at the interveiw at school i can tell you) i've always wanted to become a sensei, plus it's all i'm really good at, never was very good at school, alwasy had my mind on martial arts, so i guess it's a way of life for me.

NickR

09-06-2005, 15:50

There was little risk of violence to myself at school, as I was lucky to be one of those kids that got on with people or were ignored, but there were plenty of tough guys who occassionally picked on my friends and random trouble makers and as at the time I was built like a bean pole I think I wanted the self confidence more than anything.

I think I used my Karate once whist I was at school and was very chuffed that I made a fool out of the other guy by doing nothing but blocks and the occasional trip, he kept swinging at me and he kept getting slower to the point where I just ended up walking off and he knew he was never gonna land a punch. Quite chuffed for an orange belt/15 year old. Broke my left wrist the following summer so was out of action for 6 months (3 months in pot, 3 months taking it easy), never went back to Karate.

tony_leith

09-07-2005, 04:05

Some interesting responses. I'm a 2nd dan in Shorinji Kempo, and have been training for (my god) about 14 years. My original impetus for choosing the martial arts was that I'd tried various other physical training regimes over the years, and frankly got bored with them (as well as having watched all the same movies as you guys did when you were kids.. :D ).

Shorinji Kempo essentially just has a lot more to it than say running on a hamster machine, or lifting lumps of metal up and down. Also, training purely for fitness was in the end entirely for my benefit, and it seemed a bit narcissistic to be expending that much effort just to build muscle bulk (the exact male equivalent of spending hours in front of a make up mirror IMO) The philosophy of SK emphasises training half for yourself, half for the people you're training with, which in the end seems healthier to me.

Self defence was a mjor part of my motivation, but is probably less so now. I've only been involved in a very few 'practical application' situations in my years of practice, and if that were my only motivation it would seem like an awful lot of effort for not that much gain. The alternative would be actively looking to get into fights, and I'm not (quite) that stupid..

PS "I like hitting things with my fists" struck me as probably the most honest and direct response thus far. Very Zen.

Tony Leith

poetic misjustice

09-07-2005, 16:10

i've had a couple of experiecnes where karate and kung fu have helped me out of a tight spot, especially kung fu these past few years due to the fact most people seem to want to fight me in groups of three, thank god for multiple opponent sparring, but mainly i wear them down by moving and blocking and then finishing them with a quick and humiliating strike

Iron Monkey

11-17-2005, 10:19

Why did you begin your martial arts? What was your goal and has it changed?

What makes you get off the couch and train everyday?

I did it for self defense and fitness and plus I beat up my bullies in middle school then I said sorry and then we becamed friends, now my once bullies turn friends train in the martial arts.

TogaAssassin

12-17-2005, 06:22

I've always kind of trained martial arts. Through most of my young life I did karate (shotokan in case anyone cares). I also have a limited exeriance with iado. I stopped training those when I entered high school around 14 because they just wheren't "cool" anymore. I don't know why I wanted to start training martial arts I just did. Call it a past life thing, call it a calling, but ever since I was 8 years old I wanted to do martial arts.

I went a few years of doing nothing at all. A few years back I made some new friends who did some martial arts, and found that one of my best friends from my job at the time was their instructor. Since he was my buddy I offered to spar with him (you know for fun) what followed was easily one of the most embarassing experiances of my entire life. I've always though that I was a pretty good fighter (and I still think I am) but he beat me at will like I was a powerless child. I was so impressed with the style of combat he was teaching I started showing up every week to learn more. I've been training JKD/Kali ever since.

Oddly enough it was the open hand aspects of Kali that initially interested me in the system, and it's still the open hand work that keeps me there. I have yet to come across an art the comes even close to equaling the directness or pure brutality of Kali so with Kali I stay. BTW JKD is fun as well but I <3 Kali.

tkdgirlms

12-17-2005, 11:01

I actually started because my brother wanted to do MA and was to young to drive, so I volunteered to drive him to class. Since I was going to have to go with him, I figured I may as well join myself. He quit once big sis ranked first and by that time, I'd been bitten by the MA bug and nothing has stopped me from working out and having fun!

Grei

12-18-2005, 03:15

I first decided to get into the martial arts because I want to write novels, and I figured the experience would be most excellent for that sort of thing. But then I kept at it just because I was interested... I actually take after my grandfather, he was the same way with martial art-type activities. So after fencing with him a while I guess I kinda woke up to it.

I also have a friend who did kenpo for a few years, though he hasn't had the time for it recently. We call eachother sparring buddies, he's another factor that really got me hooked into the MA aspect. And I can tell you, the experience and research has been... enlightening.

(I did post before, I'm just expounding on that. And this seems more accurate. I'm amazed at how differently I think of things now, as compared to how I did when I made my initial post in this thread.)

It's actually kind of annoying, because somehow my parents had thought they'd put me in karate when I was little (which would have been nice), but being the youngest I was just sort of overlooked. Even though all my elder siblings had been in it.

Yang Wei Xin

12-22-2005, 13:24

sifu says that the ultimate goal of the martial arts is service to others.

becoming a riteous(wrong spelling?) human being is the ultimate goal. one who fights only when necessary and volunteers to help his fellow man at every opportunity.

dsimons

12-29-2005, 22:56

I wanted to be a Power Ranger when I was 7....then never left.

Dion Wilbur

12-30-2005, 10:30

Well I started Martial arts when I was 5 during early 80's Ninja craze was starting and before the Karate kid movie came out, I seen my first Karate movie 'The Octagon' with Chuck Norris and was just in awe and wanted to do that kick, punch, jump, weapons e.t.c e.t.c so my step dad at the time was a blackbelt and he trained at a local dojo and signed me up there.. Eventual my stepdad opened a dojo and I just kept at it, and got my Shodan at 16 after 11 years of training I'am now 28 and I think the Martial arts have given more then I could ever ask for.. I could'nt even get into here.. I now am pursuing the Spiritual side of the Martial arts much more now, I know that it may seem young but after such a long time in the arts the physical isn't as important to me as before and I'am on a journey now seeking a deeper meaning e.t.c...the Martial arts will improve anyones life no matter the art.. they all have great benefits..but its also your 'first' sensei who will have a impact on your outlook on the Martial arts even after you leave him.. and one day you will leave your first sensei be it after training for 10 years or 40 the day will come its what you take with you thats important... well thats enough babbling..lol just my experiences..peace.

Aikido_Girl918

01-26-2006, 13:39

Well, I already said why I started, but I neglected to mention what makes me get off the couch to go. I guess it would be (1) It's fun (2) It's my way of venting (3) being homeschooled, 90% of my friends are there (4) It's the best thing that ever happened to me

Combine all that and add a few reasons I still haven't figured out, and you get the only reason I force myself off the couch to do my chores, school, or anything else. The only way I can make it through the day. The only reason I try to keep my grades up. The reason I try to be a good person. When I started martial arts, my parent's next alternative for curing my attitude problem was going to be military school. Last night they said I exceed their expectations for temper and attitude control by far. Just the thought of the person I have become since I started MA and the person I was before gets me off the couch. I don't want to be that person anymore. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. That's what gets me off the couch.

Moses Colon

01-29-2006, 12:02

Well i had no choice but to learn martial arts living in New York City especially in the south bronx you had to know something especially if your 7 years old and a kid 12 years old puts a knife to you lower private part and ask you for money !
Ill just say this it never happen again !

QuiKujoJin

02-10-2006, 14:32

"got my rear kick by guys bigger and stronger, and was just to stubborn aka too dumb to run" - I quoted this just to mention another I heard from my uncle. "The only fight I ever lost was when I slipped going around the corner."

The main reason for me was the accomplishment or failure was my own. I wrestled until I blew my knee (well, I had a little help) my senior year of highschool. I had tried football, but got tired of all the complaining when we didn't win. It was always someone else's fault. So I was looking for something that was just for me. I had trained Shotokan here and there when my mom was doing it while she went back to college. After highschool, I stayed with martial arts because I really liked the discipline and the rewards for training hard.

Now I instruct Army combatives at my unit. And I hope my teaching will save someone's life when they need it, whether it be downtown or across the ocean.

4rm1ock

03-23-2006, 18:59

Face it, it is natural human instinct to want to have the ability to fight and not only defend yourself but your own pride as well. Besides, fighting is like one of the best skills to have knowledge and expertise in. In all my classes, every single day, i talk about fighting of some form or another.

Eliz

03-23-2006, 21:34

....every single day, i talk about fighting of some form or another.

Don't talk....just train!

To the OP: "Most of the above." Movies were never really a factor, nor was self confidence. I was always confident in the fact that I was not a "perfect round peg" that would fit into a "perfect round hole." :laugh:

Ninjalord

03-23-2006, 21:40

its just a part of me, since i started at such a young age i havent been able to give it up even when i tried, i guess that makes me an addict?

Thats pretty much how I feel. I love MMA. I first got interested when I saw Enter the Dragon, and after that, the rest is history. As a devout Bruce Lee fan, I encourage both myself and others to express themselves honestly. I do that through martial arts. It's who I am, and I would never give it up for anything.

4rm1ock

03-23-2006, 21:55

Don't talk....just train!

To the OP: "Most of the above." Movies were never really a factor, nor was self confidence. I was always confident in the fact that I was not a "perfect round peg" that would fit into a "perfect round hole." :laugh:

Dont worry, I train.

Gordon Nore

03-23-2006, 22:47

Jared,
Thank you for starting this thread...

I was interested in the arts a long time before I actually started training. I was about 13 in grade 8 when Enter the Dragon came out. I saw it on a double-bill with Five Fingers of Death. Then I got into watching Chuck Norris films, etc, on TV. At that time I was very involved in learning guitar and piano, as well as theatre, so I didn't get into it. I got bullied a lot in middle school, so I think the idea martial arts was very appealing.

Fast-forward ten years... I trained for a few months in Karate. I really liked it, but I was only able to go one night per week and was working nights, weekends, etc, at the time. What struck me and stayed with me was the idea that everyone was a teacher -- yellow belts help white belts, and so on. I was in the early years of my career as an English teacher for adults and found the approach revolultionary and appealing. It continues to influence my work today as an elementary school teacher.

So another decade goes by... In late 1994 I enrolled my then-five-year-old son in a special no-belts class for little ones at East York Hapkido-Karate Club (http://www.eyhkc.com). I signed on for the adult club in Jan 1995 at the age of thirty-four. I stayed on, became an instructor in the kids' classes at orange belt, started the club's website, made close friends, and trained hard.

I just recently got my black belt after 11 yrs. My son got his orange belt in our system back in elementary school, but has trained for almost three years in Kali. He helped my get ready for my BB, so now I'm working with him every Saturday to help him get ready for his red sarong -- which will place him in the senior ranks in his class.

I'm there for everything: the fitness, personal growth, close relationships with people, challenging techniques, learning to function under stress and chaos. I love it all.

Angel

03-24-2006, 07:29

I was always interested in martial arts, just watching Tv and movies that have a strong female that could kick a$$ was very inspiring so i wanted to learn.

Self defence was also an issue for me, in my personal opinion every woman should embark onlearning some for of self defence and i think martial arts is the best way to do it!

Since starting in martial arts so many other factors have come into play and has done wonders for my fitness and slef confidence! I could never be bothered with the gym or any form of exercise, but since starting KB i have become more involved in improviing my overal fitness and health!

But the bottom line.. i love it! :D

Oelier

03-24-2006, 09:47

I started because of the first Karate Kid movie. I thought it was really cool. The ironic thing is that I got signed up in a Ki-Aikido dojo. :rolleyes: I was in third grade at the time (I got a good amount of Ki training early). I don't remember why I quit some years later. I always wanted to go back to martial arts (though not necessarily Ki-Aikido). I managed to in 6th grade. It was an American style taught in a rec center near my school. I quit after a year because I thought it was too easy.

I found Poekoelan in '92. Best workout I'd ever done. That's why I went back. I stayed on because of the "compassionate tough guy" mindset my instructor adopted. I've been doing it for 14 years, now.

What gets me off the couch? My body demands a workout. It's just that simple.

gorkhali

03-25-2006, 23:25

I started martial art to lose weight.

My father got me enrolled in Kyokushin-kai karate hoping that it would be good keep in shape also in the process loose weght. I carried on until I was brown belt but quit after I fell sick.

If you are not aware or wanna know more about this martial art, follow the link provided below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masutatsu_Oyama
http://www.fightingmaster.com/masters/oyama/
http://www.uskyokushin.com/sosai.htm

Bobby

03-26-2006, 07:15

The average person will go through their entire life without ever having to defend themselves, so martial arts would appear to be a complete waste anyones time, why waste all that time money and effort. As i see it martial arts are there to help preserve life should anyone try to take that away

A desire for heightened enlightenment is often what attracts people to the martial arts. Although most people join a martial arts school to improve fitness and to be able to defend themselves, they often want something more than that .

Martial arts help develop character by teaching respect, Honor,
perseverance, courtesy, courage, integrity and sense of community. For many people martial arts has become a way of life who enjoy the spiritual philosophical aspect. They want to bring back some honor and dignity into their lives, and they believe the martial arts offer such qualities. And they are right; the martial arts do offer these things, as long as those who teach martial arts retain a respect for tradition and do not restrict their teachings.

shotokan!

08-15-2006, 17:26

These days I think most people will be forced to defend themselves.
Especially where I live. I started martial arts mainly because I would just keep on getting the crap beaten out of me. I also had a very bad attitude.
Now it's for everything especially spirituality. Plus, my character is getting much better through meditation and all that.

Enyu

08-15-2006, 18:26

I think a combination of all of the above. I never had a particular reason. I just knew I wanted to learn a martial art. It's really changed me since I started. I've grown much stronger physically, mentally and "spiritually". Martial arts teach much more than just fighting and self control. They've taught ideals like respect, a sense of honor, and modesty.

Kind Sir 66

09-04-2006, 14:24

I was a transplant to a small town as a kid. ' Self Defense for Teens ' was a book I bought from the book club. A rolled up magazine can serve as quite a defense tool, I recall. Serving in the Navy, I did some reading throughout 4 years of sea service. Security training brought a few formal lessons in controlling disgruntled, criminal, and terroristic Bad-Guys.
Hitting and kicking others is subject to Karma. Chi is important to our longevity. Of the different practices available, that my interest brought knowledge in, the ' One Master ' facilitates them all I would suggest. The self control and physical exertion involved in practice gets us beyond being controlled by others. It's that reactive and unexpected inch of movement that gets us beyond being the victim, or being injuried, and gives us opportunity for continuous self-assessment.
The practices are helpful in other areas of life, beyond mono to mono. I was frustrated several months ago and broke a glass resulting in 21 stiches and my hand is disabled to ' some degree ' for maybe a year. I cried left alone in the ER waiting for treatment, because, I knew it was slightly disabling and such hasn't happened in my 25 years in the work-force. Yesterday, I was fabricating a 4 inch long block and speedbored some holes which had to be enlarged. On the last hole, the block ( between my knees )slipped from my non-primary hand when the bit grabbed, hence my post title peeing blood. I'm not hurt, yet past experiences and knowing myself were what both prevented injury and caused injury.
Competition from one art to the other is an involvement of sharing. It's fun to reward your art with committment. We all have influence, as we follow our own paths, plus, work to avoid influence that keeps us bobbing and weaving in attaining our continually modifed goals. Suppose I'll know to drill the larger hole to depth first next time, and still the bit can grab and I'll have to even more expect the block can slip.
I find interest in the Arts in overcoming that which is overwhelming and perceived the stronger foe, coinable as beating bullies. Feudal times have come and gone and our involvements of self defense requirements as man-kind may always change. Accepting our defined selves is getting along with others. All that, doesn't get me beyond seeing ' Birthday Puddy ' on the back of my eyelids this morning upon awakening, though.

jakmak52

09-04-2006, 14:30

Great story Mr. Wylie, thanks for sharing that :bow:

Kind Sir 66

09-05-2006, 22:09

The thanks were mine and yours in all truth. I read several post, mostly in the Aikido folders. A book you might enjoy in the realm of spirtuality is 'Spiritual Classics' by Foster/Griffen.
S1 - Inward Disciplines - Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study
S2 - Outward Disciplines - Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service
S3 - Corporate Disciplines - Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration
in which each section contains articles from various authors, yet the 12 disciplines are, cool disciplines, often associated with most ' defined beliefs and practices through which people achieve a perceived ultimacy ' or religion.

Which leaf will the fall wind take next? In hope, I'd have posted amidst that upper level were memories present memories, and good Karma

Puddy - and the vocals said his momma can't dance, but his daddy can

Peace

JiuJitsuRabbit

09-15-2006, 07:19

I take BJJ because I love choking people out.

It started out as a silly desire to want to wrestle and I couldn't find an adult wrestling team. It then progressed into the choking out of people, which I believe is a much more spiritual and respectable goal.

When I see people on the street, I can't help but wonder if thier clothes would allow the choking out. I often suggest to my friends they wear jackets, even in the summer, just in case they annoy me and require choking out. People's attitudes just get better when you choke them to unconciousness.

:laugh:

shevbo

09-17-2006, 16:18

The first time I did an MA was karate at the age of 13. I remember clearly that I got really fed up of it because I just wasn't any good no matter how hard I tried.

Then when I was around 17 or just before that a friend persuaded me to go to one of his kickboxing classes. I went and loved it. The teacher was great and I made good mates there. I'm 19 now and even though train in boxing now also and MT I still go back to that class because I always learn something new there.

When I started out I suppose my intention was to shut my mate up and to I suppose be able to defend myself. Since then there is the bonus of improving confidence, and releaving stress.

I now train because I want to push my body further and further. And see what I can do with it. And i'm actually good at what I do now, and getting better.

Although I don't train as hard as I would like to :(

SheWolf

09-26-2006, 20:55

Up until I started practicing the sword arts, I never even DREAMED of being a Martial Artist. Never even considered it. I spent my life assuming that I wasn't the physical type and anything that physically demanding was beyond me.

Then my boyfriend decided to look for a 'hobby'. He looked into Krav Maga first but then he came up to me one day and said "you wanna do some sword fighting?"

(ok, Martial Arts = out of my league ... SWORD fighting = WHAT #?$^^$#$???)

But I went along anyway thinking ... actually I was that baffled I wasn't thinking anything. I continued to be baffled by the funny clothes all the guys wore in the dojo (what!? omg ALL guys... eeek!) and then I promtly placed BOTH LEGS INTO ONE HAKAMA LEG and said "what does this other bit do???"

But now one year later I believe it is the best thing I have done in my life. I continue to do it because of the person growth, confidence, the support network, and improved fitness.

Adon4Ever

10-03-2006, 14:53

Why did you begin your martial arts? What was your goal and has it changed?

To beat up all them Street Fighter II opponents

What makes you get off the couch and train everyday?

What!? GET UP OFF THE COUCH!?

:laugh:

Okay, serious now: I picked all of the above, because I just can't pin it down to one reason. I've actually been at least exposed to a lot of different styles of martial arts. I started when I was about 7 or 8 taking Tae Kwon Do (Jhoon Rhee). My parents enrolled me after I had gotten into a fight at school. I did it for about 5 or 6 years, before moving from FL to OK (where I live now). And I also had a 1 year hiatus when I moved to Chicago.

In Oklahoma, sports were my big thing, in school. Through Jr. High and High School, I played football and I wrestled. Then about my Junior year of High School, I got into a MMA program. I was involved in that for about... I think 3 years. I ended up getting sidetracked with other stuff (that little thing called "life"), so I let my membership expire. But while I was in it, I was at least exposed to a lot of different martial arts.

The core martial art was Wing Chun Kung-Fu. But it also incorporated Jiu-Jutsu (the more traditional Japanese version), Muay Thai, Filipino Arnis, Northern Shaolin, Penjak Silat, boxing, wrestling... the list could go on and on. I enjoyed them all, and I enjoyed the Tae Kwon Do that I took as a kid. I can safely say that every single martial art that I studied has taught me at least one thing that benefits me to this day. But I would say that Muay Thai was my favorite.

I believe that there is no "best" martial arts system. That there's no one system that is better than another. But I also believe that there is such a thing as a martial arts system that works best for the particular person. I guess I feel that Muay Thai is the best fit for me because I have a knack for delivering power kicks, forward attacks (like knees and "tiip" type kicks), and elbows. So naturally Muay Thai would work best for a guy like me.

I guess why I'm into it now was because I was getting to be a rather sedentary person. I had put on a lot of weight, and I knew that I needed to do something physical. But I wanted to do more than just go to the gym. I knew that a great way for me to get back into shape was to take up a sport. I almost immediately thought of the martial arts, since it never did me any harm when I was taking it. And almost immediately after that, I thought of Muay Thai, since I liked it so much. So after a little searching, I found a place in Norman that offered Muay Thai training, and decided to hop on board.

So I guess my biggest reason for studying it now is the physical fitness, and to drop some weight (though I got a long way to go on both counts). And of course there's the self-defense aspect. That's always good to have, whether you ever end up needing it or not. I also love the self-confidence factor, and the spiritual aspect of it (I'm not a Buddhist or anything). Plus, after a workout (and after catching my breath), there's this incredible rush I feel - a rush that no drug could ever give. Plus I like the people I train with - they're a pretty cool bunch of guys. My instructors too. And I've grown up watching MA movies, and have always liked them, and gotten a bit of inspiration from them. Even now I do. Lots of martial artists from Bruce Lee to Chuck Norris to Jet Li to Tony Jaa.

So... why do I get off the couch to train? I guess because I know that if I don't do it now, I'll never do it. And that's NOT how I want to turn out.

Josh

Jaclyn

10-07-2006, 23:40

I started mainly for fitness. Going to the gym was just really boring for me. I'd always loved the Ninja Turtles, so I figured I'd give martial arts a shot.

Now I take karate mainly because I enjoy it. It's just a lot of fun, which is something I never thought I'd say about any kind of workout. :)

Cougar Claw

12-18-2006, 13:33

I voted primarily for self defense, but the others apply too.:bow:

Koshu

12-18-2006, 16:31

Primarily self defense. What I found in addition was an art with such depth that, beyond the issue of rank, I see it as an ultimate life's goal to achieve mastery in the art (though I may never get there, it's worth the effort) -- an art that offers worthwhile physical and mental/intellectual challenges to spur personal development, as well as provide mentoring to others.

GeeBee

12-19-2006, 06:20

1. Fitness
2. Self Defense
3. Personal Development

Peace
GB

Brian Dugger

01-19-2007, 19:25

During my last year at college, I met a fella by the name of Brent Beck. He'd been studying a little known system apart from Arkansas called Taiho Ryu (www.taiho-ryo.org). After seeing his workout bag lying in the corner, I made a few inquiries. After he indulged me with a "few" kansetsu waza with knife disarming techniques, I was intrigued.

After spending another 1.5 years in a specialization school for a subsequent degree, I decided it was now time to exercise physically instead of mentally. Boy, I was I ever wrong. Loathing running and the commercial gym mindset, I decided maybe a martial art was the thing to do. After spending a year and half in Taiho Ryu (primarily karate now, with little if any jujitsu these days)with Larry Fliss, I moved to New Orleans. Dr. Faucett, a sempai in the Taiho dojo, recommended that I train with Mikami or a former Mikami student named Chieng Lam.

Spending my obligitory three months with Chieng doing shotokan wasn't quite my interest nor being taught by Smokey and seeing Chieng a total of only three classes in three months. I paid Chieng (3 months in advance, I might add), not Smokey. So, I called this 800 martial info number in the yellow pages. It was a hub number to Ronny's Karate Shop out on Vets. Ronny says you need to see Jack Garrett for jujitsu. After talking to Jack's mother, Jack's brother Ted calls and says, "You go to UNO for his aikido class tonight at seven (this was a Tuesday), I'll let him know to look for you." I thought to myself I asked for jujitsu, not aikido--well okay. I didn't know Jack did several things. He primarily taught jujitsu at the dojo, but aikido to the university students at the time. I show up for the aikido class with my gi, Jack grabs me in a nikajo that hurts like the blazes to this day and he asks me, "Was it good for you, (I was nodding emphatically and tapping)?" He retorts, "It was for me toooooo!" and he grins.:ticks:

Aruko

04-03-2007, 09:13

Why did you begin your martial arts? What was your goal and has it changed?

What makes you get off the couch and train everyday?

I hate the couch now. I much more prefer the open Dojang with the varnished wood floors. ^_^

Daniel N.

04-03-2007, 10:24

I picked other. In the beginning it was for Self defense only. Then I started getting fit, so that became a reason. Then by that time I made friends in the class, so that became a reason. It was some time later that I realized my self confidence had improved, and now for all of these reasons, and a desire to have a competition entry be it BJJ tournament, or a full contact MMA fight, or some other form. I like competing and I think I would enjoy that as well.

Pathfinder

05-03-2007, 22:12

I picked self defence but as I get older I am finding so many other reasons to train. I am at a flat point in my life right now and I haven't trained for over a year (many reasons, financial mainly) but the sure knowledge that I will begin training again keeps me sane. This thread has been quite inspirational for me and one reply really stood out for me.

I think it was Aikidogirl that said...

Just the thought of the person I have become since I started MA and the person I was before gets me off the couch. I don't want to be that person anymore. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. That's what gets me off the couch.

I have wasted the last few months of my life on a mental and spiritual couch and I cling to the memory of who I was and who I will be again... that is what the martial arts mean to me at the moment.

Great thread.