6 Common Doubts That Most Beginners Of The
Martial Arts Experience
Author: Paul A. Walker
The martial arts offer a very valuable journey of
self-discovery. There are different stages within this journey
all the way from beginner to black belt and beyond. At each
stage there are different challenges and obstacles. This article
will look at the common doubts that most beginners of the
martial arts experience on their journey.
1.Is this really for me?
This is a big question at the beginner stage and also at the
intermediate stage. In fact this question will need to be
answered on numerous different occasions all the way up to black
belt, and maybe even then too!
Self-doubt is not a bad thing, it is a way for you to take a
step back from your training and logically ask yourself if
karate is still for you. Only you can answer this question but
to make sure that you continue to give karate a chance I
recommend that you focus on three things: why did you get
started in the first place; what has karate done for you so far;
and what do you still hope to get out of your karate practice?
If you still feel that karate has a lot to offer you then your
answer to question #1 should be a resounding "yes"!
2.Do I have the potential to become a black belt?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Everybody has the potential to do anything they
want. The question you should ask yourself is, "Will I allow
myself to reach my potential of becoming a black belt?"
3.Can Karate really help me to defend myself?
Yes and no. After three months of training the chances are that
you will not be able to defend yourself unless you are taking a
specific and intensive self-defense course that is solely
focused on street survival. You are probably taking a mainstream
martial arts class in which case you should expect to gradually
develop self-defense skills over a significantly longer period
of time. If your primary goal is self-defense then take a course
that deals with that specifically and also read and learn about
basic awareness tactics for going about your everyday life.
4.Is all of this talk about ethics and spiritual values really
true?
At first it seems as if punching and kicking don't really match
the values of discipline and respect and I can't blame you for
thinking that especially after picking up your daily newspaper
and reading about the latest mugging, rape or local school
violence. However the fact of the matter is that self-awareness
leads to a greater appreciation of truth in your life and what
it means to you specifically. By practicing martial arts you
learn about your own strengths and weaknesses and through hard
physical training you learn how to break through previous
limitations and take yourself to the next level in your growth
and self-discovery.
This usually translates into higher moral and spiritual values
which in turn lead to greater self-discipline and respect for
our fellow citizens. I believe that all of this is true but it
obviously takes time, effort and commitment to make any kind of
lasting behavioral change.
5.Will I ever get these techniques and drills right?
The more you practice, the more likely you are to get the
techniques and drills right. Your ultimate success in karate is
in direct proportion to your effort, focus and persistence. The
more that you focus on the fact that you are not getting the
drills right, the more you will become frustrated. Change your
focus, keep it positive, and suddenly you will get the
techniques right.
6.Doesn't everyone get hurt in sparring?
Everybody gets minor bumps and bruises in sparring even if when
are wearing protective gear. This is part of martial arts
training. Don't believe anybody who tells you differently.
However, very few practitioners experience serious injuries
while training at a reputable school that takes every precaution
necessary for the safety of its members. The use of safety gear
is one reason for this, but a more important reason is the care
and knowledge of a competent instructor who knows how to
gradually introduce sparring drills that are both
age-appropriate and rank-specific. A competent and caring
instructor is more important than any piece of safety gear.
These are some of the common doubts in the early stages of
martial arts training and there are obviously many more.
If you need more help with this or any other karate subject,
please be sure to download my FREE Report "Beginners Guide to
Karate". You will find out how to download it at
http://www.freekarateinformati
Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.
About The Author: Paul A. Walker, is a 4th degree black belt
karate instructor with over 25 years experience in the martial
arts. In 2003 he attained his 4th degree black belt, after
studying with the legendary Karate Master, Hirokazu Kanazawa in
Tokyo for three years. Get more info at
http://www.freekarateinformati
