| People often wonder why karate is such a | | | | 6. A New Challenge - Are you tired of doing |
| popular activity. There must be a primary | | | | the same old thing day in and day out? Do you |
| reason why someone would get involved in the | | | | feel that you need a new direction in your |
| martial arts. Actually there are many reasons | | | | life? A simple solution is to try something |
| for embarking on the study of martial arts | | | | different and karate is a great activity with |
| but generally the main motivations boil down | | | | many hidden benefits - just look at this "Top |
| to my "Top Ten Reasons to Start Karate". | | | | Ten" list! Why not give it a try? |
| | | | |
| So think about what your main reason for | | | | 7. Social Interaction - Human beings by their |
| starting karate is (or was) and see if it | | | | nature need social interaction with other |
| matches my "Top Ten". | | | | human beings. Often this need is met at home |
| | | | or at work but these environments are not |
| 1. Self-Defense - Were you ever bullied at | | | | always the most harmonious of places. Why not |
| school? Have you ever worried about how to | | | | step out of your comfort zone? How about you |
| protect yourself and your family in a | | | | make some new friends who share a common goal |
| dangerous situation or environment? Well, it | | | | - that of self-improvement! |
| seems that you're not alone because thousands | | | | |
| of other current martial arts practitioners | | | | 8. Spiritual Growth - Confusion in our modern |
| say that self-defense skills for today's | | | | world is a cause of immense stress and the |
| world are the primary motivating factor for | | | | need for spiritual guidance is great. Many |
| them to enrollin karate classes. | | | | people turn to religion for the answers to |
| | | | this angst, some people begin meditation or |
| 2. Health and Fitness - Had enough of generic | | | | yoga, and others are turning to martial arts |
| gym workouts? Sick and tired of the same old | | | | to reconnect with themselves and discover the |
| aerobics class with that annoying music? Many | | | | true being within. Any of these methods can |
| other people have had enough too and are now | | | | provide answers; it's up to you to discover |
| turning to the martial arts as a great way to | | | | which one works best for you personally. |
| improve their health and fitness while | | | | |
| gaining many additional benefits through | | | | 9. Learning about a New Culture - Many modern |
| their training. | | | | martial arts can trace their roots back to |
| | | | different countries such as China, India, |
| 3. Discipline - This seems to be the number | | | | Japan, Korea, Greece, Philippines, Thailand, |
| one reason quoted by parents of young | | | | and numerous other countries. As the martial |
| children for joining a karate club. | | | | arts provide such a culturally rich |
| Discipline is one of the core tenets of the | | | | background, they are often a great initial |
| martial arts and if you are already the | | | | introduction to learning about our wider |
| parent of a "wild child", then it's not too | | | | world, its history and its diverse cultures. |
| late to change their behavior through the | | | | |
| time-tested methods of a qualified karate | | | | 10. Because my Friend told me it was Fun - |
| instructor. | | | | Have you ever watched a movie because a |
| | | | friend recommended it? Have you bought a new |
| 4. Confidence - Do you lack self-confidence? | | | | pair of shoes because you were told they were |
| Come on, be honest - do you tend to do what | | | | extremely comfortable? How about a new car? |
| others tell you to do, or do you stand up for | | | | There are many examples in everyday life |
| yourself and lead the way in your life? The | | | | where we act based on trust in our loved |
| fact is that the majority of people follow | | | | ones' opinions. Beginning karate is no |
| the crowd instead of leading the pack. The | | | | different and in many ways studying martial |
| study of martial arts is the perfect template | | | | arts is a referral-based business. |
| for developing core leadership skills | | | | |
| andimproving self-confidence and many people | | | | So these are "The Top Ten Reasons to Start |
| are beginning to notice this. Have you | | | | Karate" and if you haven't "stepped out on |
| noticed yet? | | | | the mat" yet then I sincerely hope you take |
| | | | action soon. If you are already a karate |
| 5. Self-Control - This can be defined as | | | | practitioner, then congratulations on taking |
| being the ability to appropriately monitor | | | | the first step on your rewarding journey. |
| your own behavior and natural impulses when | | | | |
| put under pressure by life's everyday | | | | And if you still need some more convincing |
| challenges. The way you react to negative | | | | then check out my FREE Report, "Karate For |
| events or stress often defines who you are. | | | | Newcomers: How to Find Out Everything You |
| Martial artists are by no means impervious to | | | | Need to Know to Start Your Karate |
| the trials and tribulations of life but they | | | | Practice."ou will find it at |
| are often better equipped to deal with such | | | | |
| obstacles through their constant and rigorous | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in |
| training. | | | | karate. |
| | | | |