Why Become a Student of the Martial Arts
Martial arts benefits — a better working body; a sharper, more focused mind; a stronger sense of self-confidence; more self-discipline; the ability to physically defend yourself. Who wouldn’t want these things for themselves?
Practicing Tang Soo Do at Focus Karate in Philadelphia, PA is about personal development. Students strive for excellence and aim to be the best versions of themselves. People often think about fighting and self-defense in the martial arts, but we also emphasize self-confidence, discipline, concentration, fitness, and leadership skills for students of all ages.
Almost half of the 6 million participants in martial arts are children ages 6-17, according to statistics from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. And it’s common for the whole family to get involved, with adults making up about one-third of all students.
Although we teach the values and techniques of Tang Soo Do, no matter what discipline of martial arts you choose, the benefits are simlar.
Universal Martial Arts Benefits
Here are the universal benefits, no matter what your age. For a list of specific martial arts benefits for various age groups, visit our adult and children program pages. For a more comprehensive description of the benefits of martial arts for kids, read our article titled: The Benefits of Martial Arts for Children: A Comprehensive Guide.
Improved physical fitness: Make no mistake, martial arts is a great workout and a total body exercise program. Your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, mobility, balance, and strength will all improve — and you will develop a positive body image, no matter your shape or size.
Enhanced self-confidence: By learning martial arts skills, improving your physical condition, and seeing positive outcomes of your hard work, you become more comfortable and confident in all situations — whether in real danger or simply doing a task that takes you beyond your comfort zone. Whether overcoming bullies at school or making a presentation at work, martial arts students gain the self-esteem to tackle life’s challenges.
Increased focus and concentration: From the first day of class, students are challenged to think as much as they act. Learning the martial arts forms and movements reinforces working memory. That’s why the Mayo Clinic specifically lists martial arts among the most effective therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Increased social skills: Martial arts strongly emphasizes discipline and self-control as core components of its teachings. Strong leadership and the ability to deal with others in a mature way is the result. Students learn to interact with peers, senior, and instructors, forming positive relationships with friends and mentors along the way.
Stress relief: Physical activity is a great stress release, no matter your age. In addition, practicing martial arts has a calming effect on your mental and emotional well-being, both during class and in your personal life. Martial arts is a highly-effective form of mindfulness meditation.
Values: Honesty, respect, integrity, compassion, responsibility, and perseverance are just some of the values we emphasize in our curriculum. The strong core values martial arts develops in its students help children and adults become better human beings and strong leaders.
Whether you are four years old or 80, our mission at Philadelphia Martial Arts is the same — to build strong minds and bodies.
