The benefits of stepping into a karate dojo

Knowing a martial art or some other self-defense is a life skill many of us need, but neglect to have. That or, it’s something that we did when we did when we were younger so it counted as childhood participation. I’ve participated in various martial arts and competitions over the time span of four years. Even though people mostly associate it with just knowing how to fight, some acknowledgment should be given to the benefits of taking up a class or two.

Increased flexibility, strength and endurance usually come with the exercises that the instructors have you do. It’s also a major stress relief, which if that’s a major problem for you could schedule to have a session after school. Usually, each session lasts about an hour and you have to have a karate gi in order to participate and be on the mat. A gi, is the uniform that they give to you, and is typically something you need to purchase. While you’re on the mat, typically you are not allowed to have your shoes on. So remember to take them off before stepping on.

Each martial art that you take has a different field that they excel in. If you’re looking for something that uses more increased mobility then you should try Capoeira. Or if you want more strength, Taekwondo is a great place to start and Judo is an excellent martial art for flexibility. Martial arts aren’t only beneficial in the fighting sense. While you’re cooling down and stretching out after a session, you usually meditate which can provide a feeling of focus and self-awareness.

Now, taking up the martial art doesn’t mean that you need to be prone to violence just because you’re learning how to fight. In fact, learning helps you to be able to resolve to non-violent resolutions. A major part of learning helps you establish discipline and self-mastery that allows expansion of the mind so you can solve conflicts more calmly and carefully.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t have to fight anyone. If there is a situation in which someone finds themselves in the need to fight, it’s more reassuring to know that you have the experience to use self-defense. If you manage to excel in your martial art and become extremely talented, you could have the opportunity to participate in tournaments that can sometimes take you all over the globe. At these, you have the chance to win medals, trophies, and titles. It is a huge honor to participate because it shows that you have worked hard enough to get to the place that you’re at.

In martial arts, there is a sort of hierarchy that is established. How you differentiate one rank from the other is usually by the belts. If you’re at a high enough rank, such as a black belt and above, you might be able to even get a gi change as well. Anyone that is new and a beginner simply starts at white belt. You can’t move up from rank to rank unless you complete the task that you are required to learn for that level. Your progress is marked by different colored tape that is wrapped around your belt by your instructor. The higher the rank you’re at, the longer it takes to complete each task.

The greatest benefit of participating in a dojo is getting the chance to have fun. Remember, you’re spending money to be there so you should make sure that get the best experience you can.