Benefits of Martial Arts
By
Alyssa Sipos
I think there are many benefits of martial arts. Learning
martial arts can be so good for you because you get so much out of it.
Staying in shape, defending yourself, and learning self discipline are
few of the many benefits.
Keeping in shape is a very good benefit. Learning many
different techniques and moving constantly will keep your body healthy.
When you learn katas, you find that you move around a lot. You have to
move quickly with great precision. After learning the entire kata, you
practice it over and over. In addition to getting a great workout, you
get your heart rate up, and learn many things!
Another good quality of learning and practicing this sport is
being able to defend yourself. When you learn to defend yourself you
learn many different techniques. These techniques require you to move
very quickly. This teaches your instincts to get better and your
reflexes to get sharper. This can help if you’re sparring with someone
and you remember the special techniques. I think self defense is one of
the most interesting parts to learn of martial arts.
Self discipline is major part of martial arts. Staying under
control and keeping your mind set a good example of it. If you have a
desire to learn martial arts you will practice hard and advance
quickly. Wanting to progress will usually make you learn faster!
When I began to learn martial arts I never truly took these
into consideration, but now I do. I understand that martial arts is an
amazing and fascinating sport and I plan to continue until I get my
black belt.
Dear Parents &
Students:
One of the most fascinating aspects of
martial arts is the time-honored tradition of belt rank testing.
Students move from one level of progression to the next through a series
of formal rank tests represented by the color of their belt and the
number of stripes placed on the belt. Students progress at their own
pace and learn a series of skills in every aspect of their martial arts
training. When they are ready, they are asked to test with the
instructor. The successful completion and passing of the test signifies
the student is ready to continue his/her training at a higher and more
disciplined level.
The most obvious sign of this progression
is the international belt-ranking system. As tradition goes, the student
receives a white belt, representing the novice-innocent pure student. As
the student trains over time, the belt changes color to signify his/her
growth and passage into mastery, the white belt darkens as it fills with
progress - legend has it the student’s belt gets dirtier/darker through
hard work, sweat, and stain. Due to this reason, belts are not to be
washed, but kept safe and worn only during practice. The journey is
long and requires dedicated training, but over time, the accomplishment
is highly unique and respected throughout the world martial arts
community. The ranking system ranges from WHITE – then VARIOUS COLORS –
to finally BLACK BELT. As an additional sign and reward toward
progression, stripes are often used on the belts. At each color belt,
progress stripes indicating excellence in forms, kicking, punching,
sparring, etc. are given to students to proudly display on their current
level belt.
When the required skills are met, the
student is asked to set up a testing time with the instructor. There is
a required testing fee. Upon completion of the test, the results are
issued at the next class. If passed, the student proceeds through a
traditional ceremony of belt promotion with a new level belt and
additional privileges. In addition, the testing student receives a
certificate of rank, a DVD/video of the test, a special pin, and full
honors. Testing is one of the most rewarding aspects of martial arts and
instantly signifies accomplishment and dedication. The path from one
belt to the next becomes more arduous and lengthy, but the level of
proficiency is quite significant and recognizable. Thank you for your
time and commitment.
FEES AND TIMES: Portions of the
fee help purchase new equipment.
Beginner Belts: Gold Stripe, Yellow,
Orange
Test fee: $50 Time: 15-45 minutes
Intermediate Belts: Blue, Green, Purple
Test fee: $75 Time 1 hour-2 hours
Advance: Brown, Red, Red/Black
Test fee $100 Time Over 2+ hours
BLACK BELT TEST - Varies, Unique
requirements different than all other tests.
Yours truly,
Sabunim John Dae Min
Master Instructor
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