Do you practice any Martial Arts, and what does the term Martial Arts mean to you?

Question

What do you practice, at what level are you, and how does it influence your life?

Answer 1

I am a blue belt in Kempo, it gives me confidence in every part of my life, it has become a very important part of my life over the last year and a half. Both of my kids also do Kempo so it is something we share as a family. I am 43 years old and I am in pretty good shape right now, I let myself go and Kempo along with eating right and exercise has helped alot.

Answer 2

Good question!
I study a traditional Okinawan Karate system. In addition to this I also study several complimenting arts.
It has been 13 years since the first time I walked into our dojo. We do not discuss rank as it is irrelevant outside of the school. There are too many difference between schools and style for rank to really mean anything.
It has influenced my life in a very positive manner. I was in high school when I began. Studying the art made me appreciate myself. My grades got better, people began to enjoy my company, my body got fit, I felt confident that I can handle myself.
Th arts introduced to many philosophies and books I would have never come across otherwise.

Answer 3

I study Traditional Tang Soo Do and Hapkido both of which are Korean martial arts. While Spidertiger is right to say that rank is irrelevant to speak of no matter the discipline; to answer your question: I currently hold a red belt, single black stripe (in Tang Soo Do, red belt is just beneath black belt or Dan holder).

Martial Arts to me has several meanings and aspects. It has given me focus, a better spiritual grounding (not to be confused as religious belief, I have my faith in God to thank for that, and Martial Arts has done well to strengthen my resolve in my life there as well.) respect for other Martial Artists no matter their discipline and for life itself.

It has also afforded me the chance to meet several life long friends who also enjoy the same passions and not just Martial Arts.

Martial Arts overall, has been an educational lesson; not to learn how to become a fighter, and defend myself, my friends or family, and those who cannot defend themselves for the right reasons; but an education for my soul

It has brought me another family of diverse people from different walks of life who just happen to enjoy Martial Arts, and have fun together.

Answer 4

I have not learnt any Martial art. I was a regular athelete in my college and does pay many games too. I was doing exercise regularly. It has helped me to lead a healthy life (I am 43 Yrs now)
more over it has helped me to build my confidence and also to face tough situations.
Martial arts does the same thing.It builds you for self defence and also help you to stay healthy, fit both mentally and physically.
You can go upto middle level and it is good for everyone.

Answer 5

I was a Tae Kwon Do praticatner at Sun Yi's Academy in Salina for 8 years (age 7-15 I think) made it to a solid brown belt rank, but had to quit because the dojin in Salina, KS closed down. It reopened a few years a go, and I am thinking a bout going back.

It used to allow me to vent my frustration in a posative manner, as well as better control of how I breath, self resterant, and more control over my ADHD (Atention Defanet Hyperactive Disorder, yes it is real and I was diegnosed with it at the time)

Answer 6

I have been training in Tae Kwon Do for four years and am still just a green belt/blue tags. Gaining a black belt is irrelevent to me as it doesn't automatically make you a "warrior". What I get out of training goes much deeper than that, Knowing that I have the abillities to perform these movements which most people can only dream of is gratifying but what good does it do you if you dont have the right mentality.

Answer 7

I have practiced MA since 1964. The term originally meant defense used in the military as monks initially showed this art to military comanders. I have taught TaeKwondo for several years although enjoy judo, aikido etc. each art has it benefits. These arts have influenced my my and that of my children positively as they give you the inner security to deal with different situations, they also teach you respect for others.

Answer 8

Yes. I am a third degree black belter. I practice Uechiryu and I believe it is the best a person can learn when it comes down to martial arts discipline.

Answer 9

I'm Muay Thai fighter and have first boxing match coming up in a month. I also use to wrestle in high school and do few grappling style.

It really encourge me to stay in shape, away from all bad things, have my life orgaizedout, and be much more observant and awareness of things. For example I can't go out and club or party all night because that will affect my training. I am attending college because I know if I get hurt I will need something to fall back on. I need to observe and be awareness of other gym and style to do well in my fight. It also apply to many other things outside of the gym/ring.

To me martial arts mean any style that include use of hands to hands combat to defeate a opponent. I think it's stupid to say it's for spiritual or other such thing. Look at anicent Greece, they have wrestling and boxing, do you see them wearing weird clothes and preach about spirit? NO! They don't! Look at karate, most of them don't preach or meditate for hours in dark with incene, they train! Look at Sambo and few others, there's no real spiritual involve. So it all boiled down to one things and that's a form of hands to hands combat.

Answer 10

Kempo karate is good exercise and helps get your mind where it needs to be a good style for women or those who like to do forms with their hands. The kata really gets your heart going and works your mind also. To me martial arts has been a part of my life since I was a kid and is an oulet for me.