Having done Shotokan Karate for over two and a half years, i have learned the benefits this can bring.
Firstly, it improves fitness and health; this is done through regular classes and instruction from the instructor.
Secondly, it improves concentration, engages with the mind; in that you are made to think about how you can co-ordinate your body.
Thirdly, it teaches self-defense, which improves reaction if someone is trying to provoke you, you know you can deal with the situation. Fourthly, you become part of a team, each club member of any martial arts, should help out their fellow club members, this instills a sense of equality, friendship and club camaraderie.
In Karate, they teach you Kata, which is supposed to help you learn your moves, but also it is a way of honing your body to adapt to different movements and to also understand why the moves are used in the first place- this is done through Bunkai.
Through Bunkai, you can interpret and learn why Karate uses the moves it does, and a proper understanding of the Bunkai will utilize your moves to better effect- however, this may take many many years to develop,so a great deal of patience is required.
Karate and other martial arts are a great way for developing character, resilience, confidence, fortitude and providing the martial artist with skill to defend themselves. As you develop your martial art, you will be immersing yourself in a way of life-
martial arts extends beyond fighting, it is as much for the mind as it is for the body.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
