5 Reasons to Start Karate Today
Exercise
Working out in class is a great way to exercise and reduce stress. Through training, a martial arts student can build more strength and power. Over time, a student’s stamina will improve, which will increase their base energy level. For those who already have good power and endurance, karate also improves flexibility, which can help to minimize joint pain. Karate is something practical that can improve both short-term and long-term health.
Self-Defense
A martial arts student will develop an awareness of what is around them and how to best use it to his or her advantage. This awareness is the first step to avoiding a physical confrontation, and the part of developing is confidence in oneself. Karate is excellent at building confidence and assertiveness, which is crucial when standing up for yourself. Finally, karate teaches the techniques and skills necessary to defend yourself in a physical confrontation.
Personal Connections
Karate can improve the social skills of a person. When in class, students not only work with their instructor, but also with their peers. Meeting people who share a passion with you can be an excellent way to make new friends. These people will also come from varying backgrounds and social niches and their new perspectives can be very valuable. With younger students especially, karate is an excellent way to develop teamwork.
Family Activity
Buzz Durkin’s Karate School has a very family-oriented atmosphere, which has the benefit making everyone feel connected and part of something bigger than themselves. Kids enjoy having fun and learning with their family while the adults enjoy getting stronger and seeing their family become closer. Even siblings who do not get along well have found a new appreciation of each other when practicing martial arts. When an entire family practices karate together, they share a passion that everyone can appreciate.
Learn Something New
There are a million excuses to avoid going out and doing something new; however, learning martial arts should not be avoided. It may take you out of your comfort zone – but that is a good thing! The new skills you have learned will make you more confident with meeting new people, speaking in front of strangers, and standing up for yourself. Start karate today and see how it will help you mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.