Did you know that whilst karate seemed a pastime long gone in the Asian world, it was only recently introduced to the UK in the 1950s? Martial arts can be a conundrum to behold: whilst a punch to the chest can be as martial as one soldier defeating its opponent, the sequence of flying kicks and chops can flow as smoothly as the art of yoga and literal strokes of paint. What makes karate so unique is the therapeutic nature of such a sport where sweat and strain are concepts much unheard of in this context. Cleary, it is ideal for anyone whether it be special needs or even those depressed; it is an expressive form of physical activity hardly lacking in one’s oomph.
After recently starting to embrace the brilliance of martial arts from attending the multitude of diverse karate clubs in and around Merton, such as a Tang Soo Do Club for self-defence in Malmesbury Primary School, many skills have been developed. Firstly, one can become better focused as self-discipline is the key to accurate aim in defence. As referred to in a research paper written by Richard A. Martin, concentration levels can improve dramatically so there is a long-term benefit to those completing higher education courses as well as others suffering from a lack of self-discipline in general so more can be achieved. Mia elaborated on the idea: “I have been practising karate for just over a year now and I have benefited from a positive turn of a new leaf. I have found the new me and I really do appreciate the elite level of techniques that I once was not able to do but gawp at.”
On such a touching note of rediscovery, self-esteem and self-respect can be enhanced to such extents unimagined of. Just like boxing, the exhaustion of kicks and punches and chops never stop one from pacing forward. As mentioned in the Martial Arts and Mental Health volume by IC Macarie on the Contemporary Psychotherapy website, self-confidence increases as you practise more karate. Clearly, the sport is one of a kind considering how it is, “a spiritual challenge, not a physical one” which has been stated by Ronny Yu. Moreover, it’s psychology gives it an edge as it is a paradox to the general vision of sports as Jet Li has said that with martial arts “when you learn something, always use the heart”. Other than just becoming physically stronger, one can become mentally powerful as well and can become more flexible in learning habits as self-motivation is never a problem.
Finally, without a shadow of doubt, doing martial arts is a good way to keep fit without regrets. Indeed, it is a free-flowing style of physical activity that encompasses a wide array of techniques spanning from flexible leg kicks to decisive chops that optimise self-defence. A few hours of karate a week should keep your circulation system running as smooth as a well-oiled machine for years on end as all body parts are utilised efficiently and effectively. As well as this, the various moves of the sport are guaranteed to strengthen the muscles and one can lose excess body fat which is surely the main motive for doing sport like karate in the first place for some people so rest assured that you are going to get a good deal.
The bottom line is that this sport is unlike others as it thrives in both the arts and sciences: it is a creative, innovative, therapeutic and both physically and mentally beneficial activity. These benefits have unveiled, only in the space of half a year so there is so much more to discover. It is such a sport that has been enriched in diverse cultures, history and fame. If you feel bored or are in the blues or even really do not know how to make better use of your time, why not join your local karate club and start kicking out those buggers, chopping the frustration and punching your way into adrenaline mode? There is nothing better than a good fight and if the complexity worries you just remember that you can keep, “the white-belt mentality that I can learn from anyone, anywhere, anytime”, which was mentioned by Georges St-Pierre.
By Thuvaaraha Nagarajan, Nonsuch High School For Girls
