Why begin a martial art?

I've recently decided to start taking the martial art Wing Chun. In addition to helping me be less of a fat bastard, I get the opportunity to learn first hand about a Chinese martial art style, about which I've been fascinated since childhood. Who didn't love watching martial arts flicks as a kid?

This brings us to an interesting question: why does anyone take a martial art? It's one of the first questions that gets asked when you start almost any style, and the answers generally are one of the following:

• Fitness: People want to get in shape, and martial arts seem like a great way to get a workout.
• Self defense: People want to be able to protect themselves, and learn how to fight.
• Stress relief: Nothing beats a good workout for relieving the day's stress and anxieties.
• Interest in the style: A fascination with the style and / or lineage of a martial art drives a person to take the art.

The unfortunate part is that people make choices out of ignorance or convenience, rather than intelligence. Why do people think it's a good idea to go to a studio that has one hour classes? Why are people so obsessed with belt rankings? Why don't people think about application and effectiveness of an art, rather than blindly accepting the art? All things bear consideration, and martial arts are no different. Be careful, folks!

I'm ready to begin my quest in becoming a martial artist. I'm starting late in life, but it's better than never starting at all. I just wish I could fast-foward my training a few years. Wish me luck!

Posted by John at September 30, 2004 09:49 AM | TrackBack