Choosing a Martial Arts Philosophy

Millions of people have been trained in martial arts around the world. It wasn't until I studied for many years that I found a teacher and martial art philosophy that suited me. Many of my teachers did not teach a philosophy to their art. In my humble opinion the philosophy of the art should be taught first. I will attempt to sum up the martial arts philosophy as best I can that has worked for me. Have confidence in the art you have chosen to learn, give it sometime and honestly practice as much as you are able to. Respect your teacher, if you cannot respect the opinions and philosophy of your teacher it may not be in the right class for you. Focus during your training the more you can put your whole mind, body and spirit into learning the faster you will progress and become proficient.

Cultivate patience, if you are calm and relaxed you will be more aware and be able to execute the moves that you know much easier. Meaning that a would be attacker will have less of a chance for success. Coordination is essential in any martial arts, many of the arts stress coordination. Keep your art to yourself, certainly we have all heard the person telling his friends how accomplished he or she is at martial arts. When someone asks me I say yes I have gone to school some years ago. But I never volunteer my rank or that I have studied for many years. Become more confidant in yourself and your art. If you are confidant and relaxed you will find that other aspects of your life will start to reflect this also. Martial Arts training has helped me in almost every aspect of my life.

Martial Arts self defense should be a long term goal for you. Try to enjoy the classes and study and practice everyday. You will be surprised how fast your life will begin to change. After I started martial arts classes it was really amazing that my friends started to notice something different about me. My posture and breathing was changing and they were noticing the extra self confidence. So choose your martial arts instructor carefully. Ask other students that have taken martial art training if they would recommend the instructor and the philosophy that they teach. Martial Arts is always for defense never for aggression. Never under estimate your opponent.