Martial Arts Restores Core Values In Society

By Tony Terranova

Written for Iain Abernethy: www.iainabernethy.com

We live in a busy, materialistic, aggressive and self-centered society in which it can be difficult to find our way amidst the madness. Core values no longer seem to be learned or relevant. The endless pursuit of pleasure, technology, and excessive profit is creating anxiety and poor health.

Self-esteem is essential to our well being and lack of it can lead to crime, drugs, murder, prostitution, assault and rape. It cannot be "taught" from a textbook, it is a slow and arduous, character building process. It grows with experience through self-discipline, hard work, achievement, and making morally correct decisions.

We therefore have much to benefit in being involved with an activity like the martial arts which develops our focus, self esteem, well being and at the same time prepares us for adversity and conflict. When the going gets tough the only solution available may be 'to simply hang in there until it's over' which requires trained mental and physical resilience.

People study martial arts for a variety of reasons, the most common being to learn self-defense. For some it is a way of life - an education of supreme value from the standpoint of individual physical and mental self-development. The study of martial arts can be defined as preparation for combat - a conflict strategy that serves to prepare us for survival in a changing world.

It is a physically challenging activity and a sport that can be practiced by all. It provides an environment in which children are treated equally and can be nurtured to develop their unique potential. The sport aspect creates a platform to have fun, practice skills, develop fitness, and enjoy the elements of competition.

Training drills have been developed for all levels ranging from beginner up to advanced. An experienced instructor will encourage and motivate you week by week improving on and adding to combat skills and fitness. The mentoring relationship that develops with the instructor is an integral piece of the student-teacher bond as the teacher is the source of knowledge and is respected. The relationship will overtime improve your self-esteem.

There are various forms of martial arts, Karate, Judo, Boxing, Muay-Thai, Ju-Jitsu and many others. If you want to improve your life and the community you belong in, then I recommend you find a martial art and instructor that suits your needs. You will find that most martial arts instructors are generally willing and generous teachers who will welcome you at their dojo's (place of training).

You can make it a family affair as it will help your children to develop their character and give them the confidence to fight back against the bullying now prevalent in our schools. The disciplined regime leads to a gradual discovery of your own abilities, as you become more self-reliant and able to face new situations with confidence - you will become a better person not just a better fighter

I will close with a quotation that I read which sums up the sentiments of this article. "Every martial artist brings to the mat only himself. He can leave the mat with more than he came with if he learns something from the experience. He will leave with less if he learns nothing".

Good luck with your training.

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