Why People Practice Martial Arts

Becoming proficient in the martial arts isn’t easy. It’s hard work but in and around Fairfax, martial arts training regimes are followed enthusiastically.

Why? There’s no better way to find out than to ask questions of master practitioner.

How hard is it to become proficient in these disciplines?

Well, a lot depends upon what you mean by ‘proficient’ but there’s no doubt that a lot of misconception arises on this one – due in large part to some appallingly inaccurate representations of the disciplines on TV and in old movies.

Modern training like this is a sport combat discipline but with a very practical self-defense aspect. It’s hard work but also fun - and healthy exercise is a big part of it.

Many people see a huge improvement in their body and overall wellbeing within just a few lessons. Techniques are developed and taught in a structured way over time and most people can make rapid progress.

Of course, this assumes you’re training under a master and at an approved institution. It doesn’t matter where you are, including Fairfax, martial arts training should never be undertaken on any other basis.

Why do people participate?

In practice, people get involved for many different reasons.

That might be any one of:

• fitness improvements;
• improved self-confidence;
• psychological development (an aspect often overlooked in some publicity);
• better capabilities for self-defense;
• participation in a sport.

Contrary to some ill-informed views, participants are of all ages and backgrounds - and none enter with aggressive agendas. Even if they did, they’d be spotted very quickly and moved out. The top Fairfax martial arts centers are very clear on this.

How quickly do people get their belts?

Different disciplines have different grading systems and generalizing is potentially misleading. It’s something best discussed with your individual tutor in the context of your discipline.

Is everyone super-fit?

No! One of the objectives of these disciplines is to improve the student’s mastery of their own bodies, and that involves fitness to some extent of course. However, the training routines themselves help improve fitness but they’re carefully structured and nobody is ever asked to do more than they’re capable of.

How seriously do people take it?

This is an interesting question! In life, little is mastered without effort and that means taking the endeavor seriously. If you don’t take it seriously when you’re studying then you’ll never get what you could out of it – nor will you reach your full potential.

So, for example, manic horsing around won’t be tolerated in training centers, as it would show the wrong mindset and it may also disrupt the activities of others. However, it’s important to remember that practitioners are ordinary people and they like having a good time! There is no conflict between the concepts of taking the disciplines seriously, working hard, achieving and also having fun.

So, if you’re thinking of taking it up, don’t worry that everyone will be very dry and grave.

In and around Fairfax, martial arts devotees love their sport and have a good time while practicing it.

If you’re looking to learn Martial Arts, Pat Tray is chief instructor at the Trident Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, the premier training and instruction centre in the region. In Fairfax, martial arts including Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Combat Submission Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, can be studied at Trident with the best instructors from across the NOVA and DC area.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.