I got into it for fitness (started in cardio kickboxing and then joined TKD class). Switched to kajukenpo karate because it's so practical and teaches real-life applications of the classroom skills. I also took (and now teach) women's self defense for the same reasons. If I am ever attacked, I want RL skills that will work. I also think EVERY woman should have some basic tools that she will hopefully never need to use.
At this time, I am still in martial arts for the challenge of mental and physical self-improvement -- I feel fear (of injury and failure) every time I bow onto the mat. I force myself to face it and work through it and hopefully one day past it. I am improving both my body and my mind: discipline for me includes facing and working through the fear.
Too many schools just hand out belts (like the first school I was at - got my 2nd degree black belt, but knew I could never really hold my head up at any other school with my skills). The school I'm at now has high standards and fails some people at nearly every belt test. It takes many years (not just 1-2) to earn a black belt, there's no guarantee that everyone will (or should) earn a black belt -- and I have never seen a senior belt student from my school who I didn't believe could really defend him or herself.
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