"A BODY IN MOTION STAY'S IN MOTION, A BODY AT REST STAY'S AT REST"
"A BODY IN MOTION STAY'S IN MOTION, A BODY AT REST STAY'S AT REST"
Martial arts do improve strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, stamina, and posture at all ages. A large part of the physical discipline in the martial arts involves rigorous conditioning through the extended repetition of "Kihon, katas and kumite,". Katas are choreographed routines. Some methods, called the "hard" styles, incorporate aerobic and muscle development workouts. The "soft" styles are no less intense but focus on speed, balance, flexibility and control. Various researches have proved that people in their 40s and 50s who regularly practice any form of martial arts have higher levels of fitness, than their counterparts who don't exercise. People who practice martial arts also tend to have a stronger immune system. It is believed that some forms of martial arts, like karate, grant various health benefits, such as anti-aging, to their practitioners. Practicing martial arts help in improving strength, flexibility, stamina as well as balance and coordination between the mind and the body. 0 Sensei stated that karate can be practiced by anybody and at any age and practiced daily throughout our lives. O Sensei lived to 86 years old and survived World War II starvation, bombings and stress. So there must be something about the positive health effects.
The traditional Asian martial arts have few rivals in the catalogue of sports and exercises when it comes to psychological and spiritual nurture. As already mentioned, they are not designed to bolster aggression or violence. Quite the opposite, people who train in the traditional Asian martial arts tend to quietly avoid conflict and demonstrate no need to confront. In general, studies show that there is an inverse relationship between the length of time students of the traditional Asian martial arts have trained and their involvement in violent encounters. In 1999, Dr. Brad Binder, Ph.D., conducted a thorough and often-cited review of research on the psychological benefits of the traditional Asian martial arts: "Psychosocial Benefits of the Martial Arts: Myth or Reality?" (in the Journal of the International Ryuku Karate Research Society, reprinted in 2007). Binder discovered, for example, that Karate has led to more easy going attitudes and decreased rates of violence in adolescents. Karate has proven to decrease anger, insomnia, and nightmares, while developing a more positive outlook on life. The highly disciplined atmosphere of Karate training has proven to strengthen group moral and self-confidence more than other physical team training.
What is more, the martial arts have even been used effectively in treatment programs for women recovering from psycho-sexual abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse and family dysfunction. One of the most cited studies in this area was conducted by Dr. Chad Trulson, PhD of the University of North Texas ("Martial Arts Training: A Novel 'Cure' for Juvenile Delinquency," Human Relations 39: 1131-1140, 1986). In this study, adolescent juvenile delinquents were assigned to one of three groups. The first group received traditional tae kwon do training (involving meditation, warm-up exercises, brief lecture about Tae Kwon Do, and the physical techniques of tae kwon do) the second group received modern tae kwon do training (only the physical techniques were taught) and the third received a program of increased physical activity not involving the martial arts. All groups were taught by the same instructor for the same amount of time and in the same room. At the end of six months, the students in the traditional Tae Kwon Do group showed a decrease in aggressiveness and anxiety and an increase in self-esteem. In contrast, the modern Tae Kwon Do group showed an increased tendency towards delinquency and an increase in aggressiveness. Students in the exercise group showed an increase in self-esteem, but no other significant changes.
Asian martial arts augment character development in a way that competitive Western sports typically do not. More than simply tools for self-defense, these systems offer personal growth in mind, soul and body. If you are looking for a regime that will strengthen not only your body but your attitude, why not consider the workouts that the martial arts offer? There is sure to be a type that suits you. See the accompanying description of some of the more popular styles. Karate - the term" Karate" means "empty hand." This style originated in Okinawa and stresses striking techniques through kicks, punches and blocks. It is highly dynamic and makes balanced use of a large number of body muscles; it provides excellent all-around exercise and develops coordination and agility. The four major styles are Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, and Wado Ryu.
Participating in karate will help build better social skills by because it is a people oriented activity. A participant most learns how to interact with others in a positive and controlled manner. It's a family activity and friendly activity. True karate is never a competitive activity where your goal is to beat another person; it is an activity whereby you learn from each other. Not just in a physical manner but in all aspects of life and the martial arts. 0 Sensei was fearful of competitive sport karate because he felt it emphasized the wrong ideals. Competition by its very nature forces a karate ka to focus on win a competition for his own self (Ego). In the process of wanting to just win; this often throws to the wind the beliefs and teaches of karate-do. The competitor is often pushed to win at all cost. 0 Sensei taught us that each time we practice together we are not competing against each other; we are teaching each other and learning from each other. "There are no winners and no losers" we are just getting better each day at a time slowly. It teaches people to control their emotions especially in kumite when sometimes there is a slight mistake (not purposeful, if so they are thrown out of the dojo) and adrenalin is pumping you need to control and apologize and be able to receive the apology. Retaliation is never allowed or accepted in any situation. Two wrongs never make a right in true karate-do.