The Reasons Why

[lifewise]

Achievement
Affiliation
Sensation
Self-direction

In an effort to put together an article I would like some input from the folks here on martial talk.

Please list all the reasons why you participate in martial arts? Are they for achievement, affiliation, sensation, or self-direction? Please explain briefly.

[theneuhauser]

good question, but in your poll you need to include options for each possible combination of the four. my main reason is immortality.

[lifewise]

Originally posted by theneuhauser

my main reason is immortality.

interesting.... explain?

[theneuhauser]

that was a joke, sorry, it was a bad one.

affiliation is important to me because it feels good to be a part of something larger than yourself,
but most important to me is maybe sensation, the feeling and awareness of yourself as part of the physical world around you and the perfect connection of your mind to your body.

[lifewise]

Originally posted by theneuhauser

that was a joke, sorry, it was a bad one.

affiliation is important to me because it feels good to be a part of something larger than yourself,
but most important to me is maybe sensation, the feeling and awareness of yourself as part of the physical world around you and the perfect connection of your mind to your body.

whew! you had me wondering what your explaination was going to be! ;)

nice answer. i will use that. thanks

[Wertle]

Maybe you could do a little explanation of what you mean by each choice? I'm not quite sure how to interpret some of them, and I don't want to skew the results ^_^

[karatekid1975]

You don't have "character" up there.

Anyways, I started MA for self defense, but I got into the character building part (self esteem, respect, self confidence, self control, ect ..... which I didn't have), and the "mental" training.

[Klondike93]

I first got into it in the 70's cause I thought it was so cool to be able to kick someone in the head :D

Now it's just such a part of me I couldn't stop if I wanted to.


:asian:

[Shinzu]

i would have to say "completion." being involved in the martial arts makes me aware of the world around me (both the dangers and the beauty.) it also allows my mind, body and spirit to be focused.

[lifewise]

Originally posted by karatekid1975

You don't have "character" up there.

Anyways, I started MA for self defense, but I got into the character building part (self esteem, respect, self confidence, self control, ect ..... which I didn't have), and the "mental" training.

I would put "character" under the category "self-direction" in my article because of the reasons you listed. Thanks! Good stuff. ;)

[lifewise]

Originally posted by Wertle

Maybe you could do a little explanation of what you mean by each choice? I'm not quite sure how to interpret some of them, and I don't want to skew the results ^_^

Don't worry about the results Wertle :)

It is important for me to see how you interpret the question as well as your response. Any sincere reply can be useful and is appreciated.

:asian:

[karatekid1975]

Your welcome Lifewise :)

[KenpoGirl]

Not being active for the majority of my life and feeling I was missing out, finally decided to take the leap and join MA which I always had a facination with.

It gave me more to do than work and sleep. It got me out of the house, and meeting new people. Helped me loose a lot of the shyness I had, and of course taught me some new skill that make me more confident and selfasured.

dot
:asian:

BTW Lifewise is multi talented you know. She posts interesting threads for her research, AND she's creative too. She does some lovely woodworking. For further information look here:

http://www.martialtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2993

LW make cheque payable to KenpoGirl ..... ;)

[Blindside]

You forgot "habit" and "addiction" which are really the same thing, but just a matter of degree.

I'm serious, I got into martial arts because I thought they would be fun, and now I just simply addicted. It isn't always fun, but I couldn't stop if I wanted to. I do get to "achieve" things, but thats not why I do it, that is just a benefit.

What do you mean by affiliation.

Lamont

[lifewise]

Originally posted by Blindside

You forgot "habit" and "addiction" which are really the same thing, but just a matter of degree.

I'm serious, I got into martial arts because I thought they would be fun, and now I just simply addicted. It isn't always fun, but I couldn't stop if I wanted to. I do get to "achieve" things, but thats not why I do it, that is just a benefit.

What do you mean by affiliation.

Lamont

Lamont - your "addiction" I would categorize under Sensation. By sensation I mean your need for the stimulation martial arts provides, or the excitment.

You asked what I meant about affiliation. By affiliation I mean your desire to socialize, to have a relationship with others that share in your interest.

Thanks for the reply!

:asian:

[lifewise]

Originally posted by KenpoGirl

BTW Lifewise is multi talented you know. She posts interesting threads for her research, AND she's creative too. She does some lovely woodworking. For further information look here:

http://www.martialtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2993

LW make cheque payable to KenpoGirl ..... ;)

Thanks for the plug KenpoGirl! With all this publicity I better get back in the shop and get working on some new designs huh?

I will "email" your cheque ASAP. :p

[Rob Broad]

Here again is another great topic that can be re-cirrulated since there so many more peopel around here these days.

[Lisa]

Not being active for the majority of my life and feeling I was missing out, finally decided to take the leap and join MA which I always had a facination with.

It gave me more to do than work and sleep. It got me out of the house, and meeting new people. Helped me loose a lot of the shyness I had, and of course taught me some new skill that make me more confident and selfasured.
Ditto... except for the shyness part... that I have never been accused of :D

The not being active part is so true for me. I have lost 70+ pounds in under three years doing MA. I still have a ways to go (another 20 would make me happy!) but I like the fact that I can do MA and eat anything I want. I don't have much self control when it comes to food, me loves food :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:

[Rob Broad]

I am in the martial arts because it filled a need when I started, and it became an addiction, and a healthy benefit all at the same time.

[Ceicei]

Self-direction.

I use my martial arts to explore how I think and view the world around me. I also do martial arts to channel the focus upon my weaknesses in different facets of my life and make them become strengths. In other words, to become a better person--physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and yes--spiritually.

- Ceicei

[Shade Silverwing]

I need self-defense badly. That's why I'm getting into the MA.

[Gary Crawford]

Self-Direction for me.Actually I beleive the term self-discovery would descibe my reasons allot better.I started young and trained throughout my adolescent years(I think I'm still going through them sometimes).Martial Arts have always seperated me from average people in one way and helped me be more humble toward my fellow man in another.It has always been there for me during the toughest times of my life,even if I had to train by myself.What I mean by this is that when life became too frustrating and confusing,I could always concentrate on something that I had no dought about,doing Kata's and sets have always helped me clear my mind of the worst troubles,even if only for a couple hours.If I started doing Kata's and I had a hard time doing them right,I knew I had to clear myself of anger and frustration before I could be satisfied with them.Being able to "flow" has always been my ultimate goal and it is impossible for me to flow while thinking about how pissed I am at someone or something.When I noticed how bad I would do things,it became much more important for me to overcome my problems so i could flow than it was for me to retain anger.When I finally got hold of myself enough to feel good about whatever training I was doing,the solutions to my problems always became easier to find.

[Autocrat]

erm... you are missing two blatant options... one of the two reasons I was taught and continue learning MA... the first is to be the one not to lose a fight, the second is to be in control of yourself. I feel no need for affiliation, I've always been highly perceptive of others and surrounds, grades and such mean virtually nothing to me, and the MA have never given me a sense of purpose or sense of else.... I had that before hand as a child, the MA have just helped develope it a bit.
I think being able to prevent serious harm to thy self and to maintain control of thy self in unpleasant situations or emotional occurences the two key factors for my MA.
(does that make me awkward? LOL)

[47MartialMan]

Addiction

[lulflo]

I liked martial arts as a kid. I have always been a scatterbrain and could hardly concentrate on anything for very long. I didn't realize when I started that I would ever find a real passion for anything, but I certainly have. Not only am I more focused in everything I do, but I make definite changes in my life as a direct result of the focus I have achieved through training in martial arts. Whether it is my diet, exercise, reading, conversation and especially my choice of what to put my energy into, I can attribute a great deal of my current 'self' to the training I have done in martial arts. So FOCUS (which I am still working on) would be the real answer to your question and I think that would be included in self direction.


Farang - Larry

[terryl965]

I started because of had to father , stayed for over forty years because I wanted too it is an addiction of the best kind.

[altondragon]

well...all of the above! But certainly now i find the affiliation element truely rewarding..to be involved with those who "get me". There truely is nothing like brothehood/sisterhood.

[TigerWoman]

I have always been addicted to exercise, running, tennis, aerobic dancing, running again, then daughter dragged me to TKD. Now I do it because it also gives me purpose, I really love to teach! TW

[karatekid1975]

You don't have "character" up there.

Anyways, I started MA for self defense, but I got into the character building part (self esteem, respect, self confidence, self control, ect ..... which I didn't have), and the "mental" training.

Hehehehe. I'm guoting myself. I'm such a dork LOL :rolleyes:

Anyways, the reason I did is because I like to add to what I said. My instructor knows I had a problem (still do somewhat) with "character." He picks on me. Not because I suck, but because he is challeging me to get better, mentally. He knows I can do the physical techniques pretty well, but mentally, I am still struggling.

It is tough sometimes when he does that, but I keep going back. So maybe I can add addiction to that as well (I must like the punishment LOL).

[Aikikitty]

Originally started for self-defense. I continue still for the self-defense, but now even more so because I love the art, I have fun, it's challenging, and I'm good friends with everyone in the class. I can't imagine ever quitting. It's become such a huge part of my life and who I am.

Robyn :asian:

[Kempogeek]

Before I joined Karate, I met quite a few friends online who were in martial arts and how much they enjoyed it. Growing up I've always been a big fan, especially the Kung Fu movies on Saturdays. At the time I joined, I was in a job that I didn't like and didn't have much of a social life. I felt that this was a shot of excitement that I needed. I took a chance with this school and have no regrets. I enjoy the weapons classes (Iaido and Arnis) as well as meeting new people. Just feels like someplace to get together with friends a few nights a week. I believe more important, to prove to myself that I can do this and hopefully make it to black belt. But that's not my main priority in MA. Just to have fun, meet new friends and be and do the best that I can. Best regards, Steve