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