The Benefits of Martial Arts by Kirstie Andrews The Benefits of Martial Arts by Kirstie Andrews of Fortitude Taekwon-Do Tunbridge Wells & Southborough From the youngest Ninja (3yrs) to the young at heart, Martial Arts has numerous benefits. In Taekwon-Do, students learn good values by keeping 5 tenets in mind: - Courtesy - Integrity - Perseverance - Self-Control - Indomitable Spirit Courtesy is shown during training by bowing and treating all students and instructors with respect. Senior grades don’t command respect, they build it and earn it by setting a good example. The youngest Ninjas learn Self Control by sitting still and listening. The more senior students demonstrate it by keeping cool under pressure. During sparring drills, we maintain Self Control by pulling techniques thus preventing harm coming to our fellow students. We learn powerful and destructive techniques so Self Control is vitally important. One of the great things about Martial Arts is that it is very much goal driven. There is always a higher belt to aim for. Techniques can always be fine-tuned and honed. This encourages the student to persevere to improve their techniques and aim high. This also leads into Indomitable Spirit – encouraging the student to keep trying even when things seem impossible. Students soon discover that they can achieve far more than they imagined. Improved flexibility, strength and stamina boosts the confidence of students when they find themselves able to perform patterns and techniques that initially seem challenging without even thinking about them. Progress is rewarded with new belts once the student has reached the standard to move up to the next level. It’s been shown that practising patterns of movements can burn many calories and creates muscle memory. This in turn helps a student have an automatic reaction should they ever need to defend themselves. Taekwon-Do is classed as a Martial Art of Self Defence. We learn many defensive techniques, but also hone and perfect offensive techniques to be used if there is no other option. An individual works through prescribed patterns of movements mindfully perfecting techniques. This helps them forget about life outside the dojang (training hall) and improves focus and concentration. Martial Arts isn’t just about kicking and punching. A typical Taekwon-Do lesson can include cardio, pad work, techniques, self-defence, stretching, sparring, fun and games and more. A bonus of lessons including multiple different aspects is that students gain fitness, strength and flexibility whilst also increasing confidence. Young students benefit greatly too with: - Increased Co-ordination & Motor Skills - Greater Attention Span - Improved Confidence & Self Esteem - Channelling Energy in a Positive Way Games, exercises and a simple syllabus make it easy for little ones to gain the most out of Taekwon-Do based skills. With Martial Arts, there is so much to gain and the only thing to lose is weight and stress!
To find out more about Fortitude TaeKwon-Do Tunbridge Wells and Southborough visit www.tkd4u.co.uk/locations/kent-martial-arts/martial-arts-tunbridge-wells @FortitudeTaekwondoTunbridgeWells fortitudelink@gmail.com 01342 302192
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