The Benefits of Martial Arts and Self-Defense

By: Ethan Trapp, 1st dan

Martial arts is a great activity for anyone of any age who is looking to learn self-defense. However, martial arts training also teaches important life skills. These are things like character building and setting goals so that you can have a sense of accomplishment. There are a few different kinds of martial arts. Some of them include Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Jujitsu and Hapkido. Each of these varies to a certain degree. For example, Taekwondo is more about hands and feet used to kick and punch, whereas Judo is more about throwing and falling. Martial arts physically helps people by teaching them multiple concepts.

First of all, you learn how to defend yourself against different types of attacks. This is an important life skill just to have. Also, martial arts keep you in shape! You can lose weight and even build muscles from this. Obesity has become a major problem in our society, and this needs to be fixed. Unlike some exercise programs, martial arts are actually fun and enjoyable to be a part of. This is great for little kids too! It releases energy so you can have better control over your children. Taking part in martial arts in summertime is especially helpful because your kids are home all day. Anyway, martial arts and self-defense help to keep you in shape as well. If you train hard, you will gain endurance and you will be able to work out for longer.

Along with that, martial arts offer competitions that you can compete in. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) offers tournaments where their students can compete in poomse, sparring, and board breaking. In addition, the CTI offers expos, promotion tests, and even a summer camp. Not only does this further the learning process, but it also creates a type of community feeling. You get to workout with your classmates, then have a great time with them and make new friends. These events also allow you to meet new people from other campuses.

Also, martial arts teach you great ideals and instill life skills in you. One of these is the idea of working hard. In our society, it has become a social normality to be lazy and cut corners on your work. However martial arts, in particular the CTI, teach you that hard work pays off. Next, we are taught to respect everyone, no matter what. This is important because you can’t be respected if you don't respect others. In addition, the CTI teaches the students to never give up. This is called perseverance, which is a great skill to have.

Lastly, we are taught to have and use integrity. This is to honor your word and never make empty promises. Having integrity is important for children, as well as adults.

Overall, martial arts and/or a self-defense program are a great activity to pick up if you are looking for something to do and have some extra free time. Martial arts help you physically stay in shape and release some energy from your kids. It also gives you a chance for competition and to make new friends. Lastly, it teaches you many useful life skills that carry on past martial arts. So if you are looking for something to do, consider a martial arts program, especially Taekwondo at the CTI.