Welcome to Gaia! ::

Well, you aren't the only one. I too have been changed ever since I took Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do and Kickboxing. I too see the marial arts in my future. As of now, I'm curious as into whether I should either take Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

That's not good. I decided to join because it looked cool.. But love it now because it's something more than just "looking cool" and "kicking a**".. I see it as a lifestyle and a future profession for me.

You're not the only one that picked up martial arts to learn to control anger.

I used to get into fights alot when I was younger.

For me... martial arts is a way of life. However... not everyone that practices will share the way of life philosophy. Some may say they do... but actually... for most people deep down it is just a sport.

As an instructor I can tell you I see people come and go all the time. They love it for a year or so and then disappear and never wear their uniform again. That's why only a little less than 10% of the students an average school signs up make it to black belt.

I love martial arts and to me there is very little that steps outside of it for me in both my personal and professional life... however... it would be unrealistic of me to say that everyone that practices martial arts looks at it the same way. In fact... it MOST practicioners it is just a hobby and to an extreme case, very sadly, just a job (thankfully this is more rare but I have seen it). People who are truly passionate about it... they are the rarity.

kung fu is my way of life, no doubt. i live and breathe it, and am always practicing and training, weather physically or mentaly, every event, every challenege that i face and complete makes me a stronger wholer person

They're called goths, not humans! xd

Where as I can see where you are coming from, I cannot agree. You are taking the literal meaning of "way of life." To me at least Martial arts teaches you lessons that will aid you to succeed at life. Lessons like, respect, self-control, and most of all self-dicipline. I have friends that do not take martial arts, and I see a large difference in the way those I know take martial arts act and those who don't act. Martial arts, if you truely love it, is a way to live your life. And by no means does that mean become a street fighter or a bum. We all know that we are not like Bruce Lee, or Jet Li, and can jst become a movie star. And as for becoming a fighter, well at least in my school the first thing I was taught was never to use what I learned unless absolutely necissary. AKA self-defense. And even that isn't the reason one should take martial arts. Martial arts is a spiratual journey one takes. And on that journey there is self realizations and enlightenment. I have ADHD and Taekwondo, helped me over come it. I am much better now, I can control my energy and concentrate. It is because of martial arts that I have the will to continue with what ever I do. When I set my mind to something, I am unstopable. I just quit a job (because I need to prepare for college now) that I would have quit months ago if not for my martial arts background. Going into college my friend (who is a senior in the same school) told me this " because of martial arts you have an advantage over everyone else, you have self-dicipline" That could mean passing or failing in college. To say any martial art is just another sport is insulting to martial arts. The name even suggests that its more, it is an ART. And the arts can never be mastered. Even a master of the martial arts is constantly learning, and they hold their master high up. Martial arts changed my life and I will always continue it. I am an instructor, those who truely love it are evident. They seek to better themselves constantly, in mind, body and spirit. Martial arts is my way of life and it will always be. I cannot imagine myself without martial arts.

i've also wanted to learn martial arts since i was a kid. unfortunately i can't say the same for my parents.

last year, i joined a mixed martial arts dojo(i am studying overseas and my parents don't know i'm doing this, if they did...well...) but unfortunately i had to stop 2 months ago due to conflicting schedules.....i really really love doing martial arts because i do have some anger problems(ticking time bomb) and it helped released my stress and upped my stamina(which degraded sadly)...

i was thinking of maybe joining another dojo that had a better schedule but i don't quite know what to join at the moment. i was thinking of buying a book and practicing at home since i will be going back home in a month or so and i can't let my parents know....any advice?