M
MartialArtsGuy
Guest
What are some of the more common reasons people study in the martial arts?
I asked myself this question, and came up with, 1. self defense
2. competition 3. Spiritual/internal reasons 4. Bettering character 5. doing something artsy 6. health reasons.
Im sure there are more. For a long time i was only concerned with the self-defense part even though i enjoyed other aspects as well. However i never let myself focus too much on the other stuff because i wanted to make sure if the time ever came, id be ready.
Anyway during my never ending quest for knowledge, I discovered that my chances of actually ever having to defend myself are small. Small enough to wonder if im justified to spend all the time and money learning to defend myself. anyone could buy a gun, learn how to use it, get a permit, and that would take care of all the life threatening possible encounters. Besides if my life is in danger there are probably weapons or multiple attackers involved that would justify the use of a fire arm. I dont think the local school yard bully is going to beat anyone to death with his bare hands.
I still have selfdefense at the top of my priorities, but I have really allowed myself to enjoy the other aspects of the martial arts. I have learned that it is not enough for me to only focus on self defense. I have too much of a passion for it. I think this is kinda tricky though because what looks good is not ussualy what works for real. This could cause problems for some who dont know the difference.
My qeustion to you all is this. Why do you study the martial arts? Is there one reason or more than one?
Also does anyone think that thier system or style does a good job covering the main reasons people train. Does your style teach EFFECTIVE self defense and alot of artsy stuff too. Do you see a balance? What about physical and mental conditioning? If yes or no than why?
:asian:
I asked myself this question, and came up with, 1. self defense
2. competition 3. Spiritual/internal reasons 4. Bettering character 5. doing something artsy 6. health reasons.
Im sure there are more. For a long time i was only concerned with the self-defense part even though i enjoyed other aspects as well. However i never let myself focus too much on the other stuff because i wanted to make sure if the time ever came, id be ready.
Anyway during my never ending quest for knowledge, I discovered that my chances of actually ever having to defend myself are small. Small enough to wonder if im justified to spend all the time and money learning to defend myself. anyone could buy a gun, learn how to use it, get a permit, and that would take care of all the life threatening possible encounters. Besides if my life is in danger there are probably weapons or multiple attackers involved that would justify the use of a fire arm. I dont think the local school yard bully is going to beat anyone to death with his bare hands.
I still have selfdefense at the top of my priorities, but I have really allowed myself to enjoy the other aspects of the martial arts. I have learned that it is not enough for me to only focus on self defense. I have too much of a passion for it. I think this is kinda tricky though because what looks good is not ussualy what works for real. This could cause problems for some who dont know the difference.
My qeustion to you all is this. Why do you study the martial arts? Is there one reason or more than one?
Also does anyone think that thier system or style does a good job covering the main reasons people train. Does your style teach EFFECTIVE self defense and alot of artsy stuff too. Do you see a balance? What about physical and mental conditioning? If yes or no than why?
:asian: