It is not all about beating up people and being the big tough guy, martial arts is more like being the kid that steps in front of the big tough guy and tells him, what he is doing is wrong. Taking martial arts is taking a big step into commitment, self-discipline, and respect.
I started taking a form of martial arts called Jiu Jitsu when I was four years old. I was taught the basics, and since then (10 long and hard years later) I've grown, and am now a preteen black-belt. This has been an amazing journey for me so far, and I am sure it is not over yet.
Through the years I've learned many technical aspects of martial arts. How to correctly kick without hurting myself, punch without breaking fingers, etc. There were also other very helpful things I've come across. One thing I learned was to always to respect my classmates, because once you respect them, they will respect you. This is very important, everyone who enters the dojo, (a dojo is the room where you train) leaves the dojo as friends.
Another thing I picked up was, you don't always get things right the first time. You must try more then once, try harder, try your best. You may fall down, but the hardest step is getting back up again, because once you try your best, you are training the best as well.
Thirdly, you have to try your best not to quit. During martial arts classes you are challenging your body and mind in every way possible. You put yourself in situations and make yourself get out, if you quit at something, you are proving to your sensei (teacher) and classmates that you cannot handle pressure, you are constantly being tested while in class and if you don't stop trying there is greater chance of passing.
Now while in class I've seen only a few people stay as long as I have. Two of them have been in my martial arts class since I've joined, and I completely trust and respect them in every way. They are my friends who I've known all my life, which is amazing. In martial arts there is competitiveness and there is friendships. It is by far the best sport I've ever joined. To be quite honest, you can walk in a very positive environment, spar with your best friends, and you can win or lose, but you still walk out having friends.
Lastly martial arts has taught me to be the better person. A true martial artist does not start the fights, but ends them. A smart martial artist knows better then to start a fight on the street, but will defend themselves if necessary. If you take a type of martial arts it will benefit you in so many ways, physically you will be stronger, and mentally you will be smarter. It helps in making decisions and when you are thinking on your feet. You ultimately improve as a person.
Well I'm off to wash my wrestling shoes and clean out my mouth-guard.
Peace and love
emma1546
