am i taking martial arts classes for the right reasons?

[TheGameMaster]

Basically, i go to this training for the following reasons.
- Gain respect from my peers.
- To be able to defend myself and others in violent situations.

I do not go because I enjoy it particularly. I mean, its OK, its not boring but i dont enjoy it like I do with football/soccer say. I sometimes find myself clock watching during sessions.

So do you think I should stick it out and keep going or am I training for the wrong reasons? I struggle with the enthusiasm for it sometimes.

 

[PeeGee]

I don't think you're in it for the right reasons. What style are you learning anyway?

Taking MA is supposed to be enjoyable. You're learning a combat style that is several dozen generations old, with (sometimes limited) actual application.

I don't regret taking karate for as many years as I did. It's utterly useless if I ever got into a fight but it was fun and I made a lot of friends. If that doesn't sound like something worth your time, try finding something else to do.


You can gain respect from your peers a million other ways. As for fighting, that rarely happens unless you're asking / looking for it.

 

[playerone]

I would say do martial arts only if you are very keen to learn. Not to gain respect or anything like that.

Probably won't get you anywhere. Why not spend the time doing something you love and enjoy?

 

[Rhoto]

How long have you been training?

I hated the first five years of Tae Kwan Do. HATED IT.

I was forced to stay by my parents, and many a times I wanted to quit. Looking back, if I had quit back then, it would've all been for not.

Training isn't easy nor fun; I don't believe it should be either. Martial Arts aren't for everyone, they do require a serious commitment if you want to become proficient.

I'm not sure what you're training in, but Martial Arts aren't all about being able to punch & kick well. Its about being still both in the mind and body, still enough to strike/respond with incredible speed and thus power. And then return to stillness.

Sure, there's nothing like a team sport, those are fun and predictable. Getting punched in the face isn't.

If you really don't like it stop. But don't give up.

There is an old saying - 1 in 100 White Belts will attain a Black Belt. 1 in 1000 Black Belts will attain the second degree.

 

[ready123]

Which MA are you taking?

I started taking Krav Maga classes beginning of this year. My reasons
- I always wanted to learn fighting when I was younger but didn't have the time or money
- Self-defense in the odd chance some bullsht happens
- The aerobic/anaerobic workout is ridiculously efficient
- After 9 hrs at work, I get to let loose and switch up the vibe
- I enjoy it and think it's cool

I don't do it for validation from others though. I really wanted to learn

 

[Pathgen]

I took Karate for a couple of years and made it all the way to brown (level before black). Then i quit because i had the same feeling as you did and i was getting tired during school. I really regret it now and have been thinking of going back.

And Kerpal getting hit was the most enjoyable part for me truthfully. Not that i like pain or i have a death wish, its just that i enjoyed the sparring part of it more than the learning of Katas. However, thats just me