Go Beyond Taekwondo – Denver Martial Arts for Adults

Martial Arts for all Ages!

Everyone likes a man (or woman) in uniform, right? Around the country, adults are looking for a new form of physical fitness and competition. Considering martial arts may not be as outrageous as you think. More and more, martial arts training are becoming a popular way for kids to gain self-confidence, focus, and fitness, but in Denver, martial arts training can be just as transformative for adults. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers training at campus locations throughout Colorado, including Denver-area training in Lakewood, Golden, Littleton, and Westminster. Martial arts are not just for youth anymore.

Adults benefit from martial arts classes in the same manner as children. And, if they come to their program with the same openness and curiosity that children do, they are often surprised by how much their training has improved their self-esteem, helped them relieved stress, and produced strength and muscle tone that can help them in other activities.

Patience is a Virtue
When many adults begin their martial arts training, they may not want to show the world their uniform or their beginner’s belt. According to an informal poll conducted by TaekwondoAnimals.com, the number one reason adults take martial arts classes is to learn self-defense techniques. In fact, self-defense training was among the reasons these ancient Asian customs made their way into the American consciousness. The truth is, most martial arts are not designed to be purely self-defense techniques, but the discipline and practice can make you stronger, more confident, and self-possessed in a way that will make others take notice, which might be the best self-defense technique of all.

Patience and openness are essential qualities for adults that wish to begintraining in karate, taekwondo, hapkido, or judo. The traditions, meditations, and honor rituals play a large role in whether or not students are able to advance to learn and master more skillful competitive sparring techniques. If you have the patience to let the process develop, you can reap the benefits of martial arts training in a number of ways:

• Relieve Stress – We may not all be calm, deeply spiritual individuals, but through even beginning martial arts training, you can develop the skills you need to calm your nerves, and focus your energies toward simplified goals. Martial arts as stress relief may be one of the most underrated reasons to begin an adult program, but nearly every adult struggles with stress on some level, and taekwondo, karate, judo, or hapkido training is a great way to tackle this life-shortening affliction.
• Get Healthier – Of course, any type of cardiovascular exercise can help you feel better and live longer, and martial arts are no different. Many adults face boredom and lack of energy at even the thought of exercise, and they may not feel strong or skilled enough to compete in other athletic sports. As a martial arts student, adults can get the exercise they need, and participate in something they enjoy.
• Set Goals – The belt system for adults is the same as it is for any student, six or sixty. By advancing through the belts, you can continue to set goals and achieve them, learning a little more about the art and a little more about yourself with each step. As you advance, you may even want to show the world your uniform and your dojo/dojang.

You’re Not a Kid Anymore
While beginning to study martial arts, Denver adults should keep in mind the initial limitations of their body. Although it is possible to strain muscles and joints, your training will slowly bring you to the level you need to be at to begin to learn proper techniques and maneuvers. If you are considering beginning martial arts training, here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Don’t Forget to Stretch – Most injuries occur in participants who come to class with tight muscles and forget to properly stretch before moving their body in ways in hasn’t moved before. Luckily every class at the CTI begins with a proper warm-up and stretching to prevent injury and to develop your flexibility. 
• Trust the Instructor – Your instructor is there to help you grow. Make sure you utilize their knowledge and ask for advice whenever you need it. Your master can also help you deal with any issues you might be having with your technique or your growth.
• Don’t Fear the Pain (It's only soreness!) – Remember, in pain there is gain. Particularly if your martial arts training is the first exercise you’ve had in months or even years, expect your practice to provide you with a lot of initial muscle aches. This only means you’re doing it right.

Sources:

http://burkeskarate.com/2013/01/5-reasons-adults-should-take-karate/

http://www.taekwondoanimals.com/taekwondo-for-adult-beginners.asp