| Martial arts are basically a set of | | | | practice. You should keep in mind that |
| physical and mental skills that are | | | | the skills are learned gradually, and it |
| gradually taught, developed and polished | | | | takes time to achieve higher ranks. When |
| by a trainer usually called "sensei" for | | | | you have discovered the style that fits |
| Japanese arts and "sifu" in Cantonese. | | | | you best, make sure that your trainer is |
| Martial arts translate as "the arts of | | | | qualified and that he teaches in an |
| war", and they consist of a multitude of | | | | approachable manner. Regardless of |
| weaponless combat techniques, focused | | | | experience or rank, not all martial arts |
| primarily on self defense. Based on | | | | masters have the ability to teach! You |
| ancient wisdom and philosophy, martial | | | | should look for an instructor that |
| arts not only strengthen the body of the | | | | stands as a true "raw model", a person |
| adept, but they also fortify his mind | | | | whose teachings match his ideals and |
| and his spirit. In Eastern culture, self | | | | beliefs. Having found the right |
| control, discipline, patience, | | | | instructor and training gym, all you |
| awareness, are considered to be the | | | | need is equipment. Martial arts |
| traits of a true warrior, and martial | | | | equipment is sometimes optional and it |
| arts mainly focus on developing these | | | | mainly consists of a uniform or sparring |
| skills to practicing students. In | | | | and protective equipment such as boxing |
| ancient times, martial arts were kept | | | | gloves, head gear and chest protection. |
| secret and practiced in silence; being | | | | You can either buy these traditional |
| an apprentice in these skills was a | | | | uniforms, or make them yourself. Consult |
| great privilege. However, today there | | | | your instructor and find out his |
| are various schools that perpetuate the | | | | requirements regarding the appropriate |
| traditional teachings of the great | | | | training outfit. The martial art |
| ancient masters. Martial arts are | | | | equipment also includes a belt. It is |
| divided into many different styles, | | | | made of a certain textile material and |
| linked together by the omnipresent | | | | its purpose is to distinguish the ranks |
| oriental mentality. If you wish to begin | | | | of the students. The black belt marks |
| practicing a martial art, you should | | | | the highest level of experience and it |
| choose a style that best satisfies your | | | | can be obtained through years of |
| needs and potential. Some martial arts | | | | learning and practice. Whether you |
| focus more on physical strength, while | | | | choose to practice martial arts as a |
| others focus on technique and reflex. | | | | sport or for self defense, its benefits |
| The best thing to do before choosing the | | | | are substantial. Martial arts improve |
| appropriate style is assisting to a few | | | | your physical condition, as well as your |
| training classes and asking the trainer | | | | concentration, attention and ambition. |
| whether you fit in or not. Another | | | | They strengthen the mind and body |
| important aspect you should consider is | | | | altogether and help you achieve |
| that martial arts require a lot of | | | | self-respect, confidence and balance. |
| ambition, dedication, perseverance and | | | | |