Beginning Martial Arts Training
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Study The Art of Self Defense
You might not realize it at first, but studying martial arts is more than just learning about self defense. It's also about discipline and commitment--about learning that you are capable of much more than you realize.
It's also a very spiritual journey. It's about knowing yourself better. It's about building confidence. It's about breaking self-conceived limitations.
Plus, it's fantastic exercise! Need to shape up, get ripped, and totally redefine what you think you are capable of? Make the martial arts your way of life.
Martial Arts Will Help You Get In Shape
Martial Arts is both physically and mentally challenging. It will help you lose weight, get healthy, and get in great shape! Plus learning self defense is fun and increases confidence.
There Are Many Martial Arts Styles to Explore...
Wing Chun Kung Fu, Aikido, Hapkido, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Ninjitsu, Tai Chi, Silat, and many more. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Some are more physically demanding, others are just downright painful. But all are worthwhile and each provides to opportunity to excel in ways you never imagined!
Where You Are Right Now Is The Perfect Place To Start
In martial arts you begin where you are and proceed at your own pace. Your only "opponent" is your own preconceived notion of what you are capable of. Everyone else is there to help you discover you are tougher, stronger, and more resilient than you realize.
How To Begin Training in Martial Arts
(a little encouragement)
It's often said that the first step is the most difficult to take in Martial Arts. It takes guts to walk into a strange environment and step onto that mat for the first time. You may feel nervous and uncomfortable, and that's OK. If you've found a good school (and many of them are) you will find that the people there will make you feel welcome. Everyone there from the newest student (you) to the leader of the school (sometimes referred to as Sensei, Sifu, or Master) are on a journey of continual learning, self improvement and growth.
It won't be long before you are no longer "the new student", maybe you will have earned your first belt, who knows? In any case, you will eventually discover that it is the journey that counts in martial arts. Wherever you are is the perfect place for you to begin.
All that is requred in order for you to obtain mastery is to set incremental goals and then continually work toward them. It's like setting little mini horizons...you can't see, you can't even imagine what it will be like to wear that black belt around your waste...but you can imagine being the very best that you can be right now in this moment...and then trying to do just a little bit better. Set mini horizons to aim toward and before you know it you'll look back and be shocked to see how far you've come! Best of luck!!
The Only Obstacle To Beginning Is To Decide Not To Start. Excuses Are A Decision Not To Do Something.
Someone said to me once "you can have your excuses as to why you can't do something, or you can have your intended results". Too often in life, I think, we make decisions about what we can't do and so choose a result much smaller than that which we might have attained had we only put forth the effort. Had we only believed in ourself, and tried.
Don't sell yourself short. You can do this!
Martial Arts on Amazon
When The Student Is Ready, The Master Will Appear.
This is one of my favorite quotes from Lao Tzu. I believe it can be understood on many levels, but to me, we are both the Student and the Master. We have to be willing and open to learning. And when we learn something new in Martial Arts class, we are really learning something new about ourselves as well. The Master is showing us a bigger version of how we perceive ourselves to be.
But it's always just a version because we are always capable of much more than we imagine!
An Ancient Zen Saying
by Lao Tzu
Do your very best, always. Begin where you are and set off firmly in the direction you want to go. Make use of any obstacles which may appear as stepping stones to assist you in your climb toward excellence.
Don't be discouraged. Don't give up. Don't stand still. Seek only always to get just a little bit better however you are able. Eventually, you will look back and see that you have far surpassed your original goals and flown well beyond any horizons you saw when you began.
Incidently, the translation for the title "Sensei" is "one who has gone before".
Your "Opponent" Is Really There To Help You.
This is so true, not only for martial arts, but for life as well. Your only true opponent is your own preconceived notion of self. Opposition is merely an invitation to improve.
Wing Chun Introduction by Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe
A little slow in parts, but I endorse his attitude 100%!
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A Parting Thought...
I can think of no truer words than these
No destination, only your own horizon laid out before you.
Follow your internal compass.
Let your own music energize and enrich your experience of life.
Joy lies in the journey.
Peace lies in doing your best.
At Its Core, Martial Arts Is A Very Spiritual Journey
It begins as all journeys begin--right where you are. It begins with a single step, and proceeds from there, always one step at a time. It is a journey of self discovery and learning to believe in yourself. It is about commitment and determination. It is about breaking through barriers, both real and perceived. What could be more spiritual than that?
A Little About Me
Are You Ready To Begin Training?
Remember Lao Tzu--all that is required is that first step and a commitment to taking another.
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grannysage Mar 2, 2012 @ 6:09 am | delete
- My son took Tae Kwon Do when he was younger but I was disappointed that the instructor did not talk about the spiritual aspects. I've always wanted to learn Tai Chi but found that trying to learn from a DVD doesn't work and I haven't had a chance to take classes. I admire the fact that you began and discovered your own journey.
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naheedahsan
Feb 21, 2012 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- not yet, but i like it.....
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MareeT
Nov 3, 2011 @ 12:33 am | delete
- Very nice lens! I admire the dedication it takes to achieve a Black Belt level. Congrats to you and your son!
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Chris-H
Feb 11, 2012 @ 10:27 am | delete
- Thank you! It was one of the best father-son experiences I have done.
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EvergreenArticles
Jul 14, 2011 @ 8:38 pm | delete
- Good job! I always found Martial Arts particularly overwhelming (I'm not much of a conflict-starter, and the Jet Li movies don't help!). I particularly like Tai Chi (I think that's what it's called) because it's very..I don't know..stimulating? Therapeutic? It's just very relaxing.
Good lens! Liked.
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Martial Arts Blogs
- Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
- By Sherdog.com Staff May 29, 2012 Like all iterations prior, this edition of the Sherdog.com official mixed martial arts rankings features a heavyweight top 10. However, in light of UFC 146, maybe it ought to be 1a), 1b) and everybody else.
- Ed Samane, Pro Martial Arts: Teaching Kids To Fight Back Against Bullies
- But his experiences as a bullied, obese kid added a dimension to Pro Martial Arts Franchise Corp., that sets it apart from the typical martial arts studio. He and his team created an extensive program called ARMOR, which educates and equips kids to ...
- Martial Arts: Karate master David Thompson takes final bow at Laceby
- A LACEBY karate club founder has made his final bow as chief instructor after more than 20 years at the helm. Sensei David Thompson has retired from Laceby Karate Club, which he founded in 1989. STALWART: David Thompson gets a hug from his wife ...
- UCLA alumnus heads up U of MMA, promoting amateur mixed martial arts fighters
- By JOSEPH WILHELM UCLA alumnus Turi Altavilla (right) started the U of MMA in 2010 to appeal to amateur mixed martial arts fighters in Southern California. The terrifying reality of college life is that it must come to an end.
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by Chris-H
Dad, Entrepreneur, Poet, Philosopher, Author, Real Estate Investor, Blackbelt, Student and Teacher.
I love people and ideas! I'm always learning and...
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