Today, through television and movies, martial arts are often portrayed as violent arts used by Rambo type personalities to annihilate a small army of assailants.  For this reason, it is not surprising that many Americans still view martial arts as just that - violent arts.

     Millions of men, women, and children across America and throughout the world who currently study martial arts have come to enjoy the numerous benefits that the true martial arts have to offer.  For everyday people from all walks of life, martial arts offer not only a means of self-defense, but also self-discipline, a longer and higher quality of life through improved health and physical fitness, reduced stress, an alert mind, sound moral values, and the confidence to overcome life’s many challenges.

     By watching a martial arts class in session, one can easily see the physical benefits of the exercise.  Martial arts training improves flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination.  It is an excellent form of stress relief and weight control.  However, martial arts training goes much deeper than just the physical level.  Students are constantly reminded of such principles as courtesy, discipline, effort, trust, and respect.  The training hall is a place where proper etiquette and moral excellence are always stressed, and this is expected to be carried into each student’s everyday life.  Concentration increases and many school-aged children are able to realize improved grades.  More advanced practitioners radiate self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-esteem.  Yet, they are humble individuals who never act in an egotistical manner.  They are always courteous, self-controlled, and trustworthy.  They have respect for themselves and others, and always do their best.

     Martial arts, though still a very effective means of physical protection, are rarely used in today’s society for combative purposes.  It continues to be an excellent form of self-defense, however, enabling students to defend themselves against such devastating enemies as alcohol, drugs, and unhealthy peer pressure.