Omar Ascha: The Growing Popularity of Martial Arts for Adults

Have you considered jump-starting your fitness goals by joining a short class at a gym? Are you intrigued by the boot-camp style exercise classes that combine both technique and strength? Are you looking for something new to change up your workout routine? If so, you might consider joining a martial arts class for adults. Though often overlooked by busy grown-ups, martial arts classes offer fitness, mental discipline, improved balance and strength, and valuable self-defense training.

Omar Ascha's 5 reasons to give martial arts a try:

1. Martial arts require you to think.

You will not be bored in a martial arts class. Somewhat similar to dance, the choreography of movements involving both hands and feet requires concentration and balance. In a quality dojo or training hall, the kata (or series of movements) will build on the basic moves taught in class. Master the basics, and then work on putting them together much the same way as learning to read. From a wise instructor, you will learn about various traditions of thought, Asian names for movements and numbers, different types of weapons, and even some human anatomy and physiology. The martial arts are as much mental training as they are a physical workout.

2. Martial arts are good exercise.

You will burn calories during a martial arts class. Whether it's karate or tae kwon do or jiu-jitsu, your arms and legs will be moving, your heart rate will be up, and you will go home from class tired. Martial arts focus on the traditional physical values of strength, agility, speed, balance, endurance, and inner spirit. You will likely be inspired to push harder than ever before.

3. Martial arts involve people from every walk of life.

You will meet new friends in a martial arts class - older people, younger people, curious people, adventurous people, people like you, and people who are very different than you. If you're stuck in a social rut and all of your friends seem to be exactly the same type, a martial arts class can shake you out of your boredom and offer new perspectives on daily life. If you don't particularly enjoy meeting new people but are hoping to improve your people skills, a karate class is a perfect venue to move socially as quickly or as slowly as you would like.

4. Martial arts teach both self-defense as well as increased personal awareness.

In today's uncertain world, many people wonder about that ideal balance between awareness and paranoia. The training you will gain from self-defense strategies in the martial arts will make you a safer person yourself and also a stronger asset to your family and community. Self-defense is partly physical and partly mental; skilled teachers offer principles for students to improve in both areas.

5. Martial arts are usually very different from other forms of exercise.

Often considered a way of life as much as an exercise program, the martial arts offer unique opportunities for improving your body and mind at the same time. You will learn specific techniques from different teachers, and discover the value of the process as much as the result. Your belt color clarifies specific and measurable goals, which give you confidence in the system as a whole. Even the language of karate offers insight into the teacher-student relationship; teachers speak of "giving" the techniques to the students, who then "have" that particular move or escape sequence.

Many of these strengths and benefits depend on the quality of the training school in question; if you're considering trying a martial arts class, by all means, do your homework first. Visit 3-4 dojos in your local area, and speak to the teachers of the classes. Are they patient but firm? Do they emphasize the specific things you are seeking to gain? Are there students who can offer personal insight into the classes and instruction? How are the belts awarded? Does the studio have hours that will fit into your work and personal schedule?

If so, go ahead and sign up. You may just be surprised at how long you stay.

About Omar Ascha: An analytic powerhouse in the field of finance, Omar Ascha works as a financial professional to create strategic alternatives for mergers, acquisitions, and financings. With his experienced guidance, he helps companies grow by providing access to strategic capital. Omar Ascha graduated from the University of California, Berkley with a degree in Political Economy.