9781422286715

H E A L T H Y M I N D , H E A L T H Y B O D Y

Most martial arts schools have a structured syllabus. Basic techniques are studied first, then more demanding skills are learned and practiced. Regular gradings ensure that students remain motivated and are rewarded for making progress. Some martial arts require the use of specialized equipment. Kendo, for example, needs a lot of equipment for it to be practiced safely, including a basic two-piece, heavy, blue, cotton uniform; traditional samurai-style wide trousers (called hakma); and modern, lightweight body, arm, and head protectors patterned after ancient samurai lacquered armor. Kendo also uses split-bamboo practice swords called shinai. Many martial arts do not require equipment, or even a uniform. In many kung fu styles, for example, participants just wear ordinary sports clothes or a club t-shirt or sweatshirt. Martial arts act as good forms of exercise, and the exercise they provide is balanced, because most martial arts practice techniques using both sides of the body and move the body in all directions. Beyond the immediateneeds of exercise, combat, and self-defense,martial arts for both children and adults are designed to empower us and to help us to deal with pain and suffering. Through training, we can strengthen and prepare ourselves to better face life’s difficulties. Physical martial arts training increases strength, coordination, agility, and flexibility. You can also expect to develop confidence, improve posture, and cultivate skill. Martial arts training also fosters patience, tolerance, and understanding, particularly for children. In fact, the side benefits of proper martial arts training outweigh its value as a method of self-defense, and with it, you can improve your physical and mental health simultaneously. Often, it is only as we get older that we come to appreciate the importance of health, but no matter how old we are, when we have

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