Peaceful Warriors
We all have sometime the desire to look for a workout that can keep us going or can give us the sense of being physically active. And in doing so, we also want the most complete one that can offer benefits holistically.
When I first thought about martial arts, the first idea that came to my mind was “pain”, and attached to that perhaps a sort of violence involved. But after pondering the idea and then getting more information about it, as well as considering the lives of many that have followed these kind of training, I could see that behind the kicking, punching and strategic movements, there is a great knowledge that is developed, which will help you how to tackle your personal situations. Therefore, you are not going to be manipulated by the circumstances, you will have a very keen self-esteem and self confidence that will lead you to the right decision about when to fight and when avoid it. So, conflict resolution plays a great roll here, for the violence is not promoted at all.
Another issue we are very suspicious about is getting hurt during training. This should not happen in a well run martial arts school, cases are very isolated!. They generally have safety equipment to use, plus the knowledge of a very well trained teacher shouldn’t allow any injury to happen. This is a very strong reason to look for the best qualified school you can find. When you get in the first class, for example, and you or your kid is being put to sparring, please run out of that place!
Sometimes we look for the cheapest one believing that they teach basically the same, and what you find afterwards is somebody that has been practicing for years, but does not have experience teaching other people, and believes that you are there just to sweat! It is worth the time you take to search for the school that fits your budget as well as your purpose!
If you happen to find that cheap and “great” school that is offering you amazing results in very short period of time, I don’t think you are going to be happy with the results of that… you are going to get what you paid for!
On the other hand, styles vary and the opportunity to choose the best one that suits you is great. There is not a “better one”, there are many options from which you can choose, however, it is advisable to look for the attitudes and values taught, as well as the program offered that can help you to develop your full potential. There lies the “holistically teaching” because you want to get physically fit, but also you want to get Self-Esteem skills, as well as Self-Defense skills…you may want to have a school that teaches and practices values also. You don’t want teachers that don’t practice what they preach.
Many don’t try Martial Arts because they think that those schools teach Eastern Philosophy, although it is truth that some of them do, for there are those who feel comfortable relating their Martial Arts knowledge to their beliefs. But there are those that don’t get involved in any specific Philosophies, but are very committed with teaching things like honesty, integrity, temper control, courtesy, etc.
Martial Arts is the most complete discipline I’ve ever practiced, the feeling of achievement is amazing, the understanding of your body is great, the sense of progress, self-control, perseverance…
http://www.thepeacefulwarriors.org
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
