Why did, do, you would you want to practice a martial art? - JP Fitness Forums

Chris Correia · 07-13-2007, 08:31 AM

Hey, all, I'm posting this because it's one (very infrequent) attempt by me, a mdoerator, to get some good general martials arts discussion going, beyond the MMA fan discussion, which is really just specialized sports discussion.

Plus, it's a little bit of market research. I'll be surveying my own students in a while, and I thought I'd get some outside impressions.

Additionally, this is a very non-scientific trial poll; I'll be able to better figure out what questions/options I want to put in the survey of my students.

Please add additional comments in your reply; the additional information you give will be helpful.

Thanks for taking a look, or typing some words.

Chiron · 07-13-2007, 12:47 PM

I like martial arts for all of the reasons listed to some extent or another. Sometimes the level of machismo in a lot of sports gets annoying and I like the spiritual side of traditional martial arts, even though this doesn't seem as prevalent in MMA. But the main reason I ever wanted to learn martial arts was for self-defense. So I guess, to a certain extent, sprinting is a martial art. lol

BobbyD · 07-13-2007, 04:12 PM

I started MA for the allure and confidence now I'm more into fitness and for competition. My son now competes so I have passed the torch

We went to US team trials last month in vegas and goin to Hawaii to train at Bj Penn's

kuri · 07-13-2007, 07:14 PM

BobbyD - congrats! I hear BJs new school is nice.

Chris C - originally I started MA for two main reasons.
1. Growing up a non-redneck in a decidedly redneck town I needed to know how to fight (and it really helped because I fucking hate rednecks). Simple enough yeah?
2. The mind-body/Eastern philosophy aspect.

Later on MA became primarily a great way to stay fit but also cultivate mental toughness, etiquette, respect for elders, and civility - all a big part of my school in Japan (and if you didn't learn you got your ass whipped).

Another aspect that might fit your poll is the group/social aspect that becomes a big part of any school.

Jokerz · 07-13-2007, 07:29 PM

Mainly to kick some ass, but now that I am older it's a little bit of everything on the list.

Chris Correia · 07-14-2007, 07:52 AM

Interesting so far. Different initial motivations, and then an evolution of motivations over time.

Maki Riddington · 07-14-2007, 09:00 PM

I've always been drawn to contact sports but lacked the size and strength as a kid growing up.

Now with Judo/BJJ I like the combative aspect and the competition. Winning is a high for me. Also, being able to pick up, throw, flip, choke, kick and arm bar people feels awesome.

Plus as a trainer and coach I feel that you should compete in something to better understand how hard to push, when to stop and to know what your clients/athletes are going through. You can relate better. In other words, it can make you better at what you do.

Irishdazza · 07-16-2007, 02:48 PM

Fitness...was the only sport/activity that ever appealed to me....then competition....then the confidence....then the discipline and personal development.

Steve-O-68 · 07-23-2007, 04:03 PM

When I was younger, I always wanted to take martial arts because I was small. But, I never had the opportunity.

I started Shingitai Jujitsu and Russian Sambo a couple weeks ago. It's not to kick ass though like it would have been when I was younger. Now it's more along the lines of rounding myself out. I want to be stronger, more mobile, and gain some body awareness.

So far, I've been choked, thrown, kicked, kneed and have sweated more than anytime I've ever been in the gym. Loving it! Who would have thought that physical violence could be so fun?!

Lisa~ · 07-23-2007, 04:48 PM

Chris, I voted the way I know my son would have voted (since he practices Kung Fu and I don't do any martial arts). When the Y where I work offered Kung Fu and Tai Chi he was interested because he wanted to learn to fight. Some of the demonstrations were of Wushu, but they don't let the students move into that for a long, long time.

I encouraged him to get involved because I wanted him to round out his baseball with something that increased his strength through a big range of motion (increasing his mobility too). I felt this would benefit his sport and strengthen him in a way that would prevent the types of overuse and contact injuries more common in baseball. I think it's done that. He's more flexible and more mobile than anyone on his team.

What he ended up getting out of it that neither of us were thinking about was learning the mental toughness, disciplined respect (he was already a pretty respectful kid, but it's different in martial arts), and control. He appreciates those qualities of the martial arts too and sees that his Shifu is a tougher/cooler man because he does NOT show off.

I guess my point in this longer-than-intended post is that what draws you to the martial arts is not necessarily what keeps you there.

RacerBill · 07-24-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa~

I guess my point in this longer-than-intended post is that what draws you to the martial arts is not necessarily what keeps you there.

I guess one could say this about exercise in general. We all start for one reason or another (losing weight, sports performance) but continue when we understand more of its benefits.

Chris Correia · 07-27-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerBill

I guess one could say this about exercise in general. We all start for one reason or another (losing weight, sports performance) but continue when we understand more of its benefits.

That's certainly been true for me. What I've found most interesting in this small poll is the full diversity of initial motivations.

It is not easy to try to appeal, as an instructor/school, to that full array of interests. Ultimately, most of it (sport aside, to some degree) the same, and it all converges. But on the front end, there are certain things I can say/do/market, and I can't present myself as being everything to everyone.

karky · 08-05-2007, 05:23 PM

when i started it was to learn self defence, but also for more self confidence, since that kinda sucked. And it helped alot!
But i cant say it wasnt to learn how to kick ass, or have people think i can. I was (am) a small kid, and been picked on alot for it. And it really helps that if something was to happen, i stand a much higher chanse now than i did before.

gobbla · 08-20-2007, 02:43 AM

The social\competitive aspect. Train as a team, compete as an individual.

As an adult my ego couldn't handle getting destroyed playing most sports for years until I got to the point to where I was "average" and likely never "good". In MMA you might get destroyed for years before you get to be average but at least it's over in 3 seconds. You don't have to to accept an ass beating for an hour or sit on the bench. If you're in the ring then you have a "chance", it might be slim as hell but there's a chance.

iamfire · 10-08-2007, 11:32 AM

Morning,

I started karate with my kids primarily as I wanted them to learn self-defense, and I always try walking whatever walk I teach my kids.

I'm finding out now that I utterly adore many aspects of the art - the coordination, the self-discipline, and the indescribable, well, *fun* of being pushed to the limits of your physical strength and still beg for more. I never before realized quite what a warrior spirit I have residing in my 5'3.5" frame.

My favorite martials arts right now is kendo (the way of the sword). Every sparring bout leaves me utterly toasted....but someday (some day!) I'll be able to hold my own. I'm looking forward to that day.

Enjoy,

Barbara

Chris Correia · 10-08-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamfire

My favorite martials arts right now is kendo (the way of the sword). Every sparring bout leaves me utterly toasted....but someday (some day!) I'll be able to hold my own. I'm looking forward to that day.

Enjoy,

Barbara

Good for you, Barbara. You speak to the exact reasons I started my ladies only class.

I also practice Kumdo (Korean). Nice to know you can put the hurt on someone with a broomstick. LOL

matador1872 · 10-11-2007, 06:44 AM

I started BJJ 6 weeks ago mainly to get back in shape but I'm sure somewhere in the abck of my mind I also wanted to prove that at 35 I could still hang with the younger guys. Best move I ever made! I professionally rodeo'd for 10 years and the rush from rolling with a guy is the same as stepping into an arena with a bull.
Make me feel young again. Not to mention, the fat is falling off not only form the exercise but also from the urge to eat right now that I am exercising again.