Why College Aged Women Should Train in Martial Arts!

This week we have a Guest Article written by a young woman who began training with us here at Premier Martial Arts before leaving for College.

As a young woman on a college campus, it is reassuring to know I have a basic knowledge of self-defense moves which I learned from my time practicing karate.  Learning karate can be beneficial for women to stay fit, gain self-defense skills and build confidence.

Fitness

Karate is a great form of exercise for women. Practicing karate regularly builds strength in both body and mind. In my two years of experience of working out with Premier, I found that the cardio and core exercises taught my body endurance and my mind focus. Over time, the workouts create flexibility.  I noticed that the warm ups in the beginning of class and the stretches that end it, resulted in better range for my kicks to meet their desired target.  Staying fit is good for both mental and physical health.

Self-Defense

Karate is the perfect exercise because it is good for the body while teaching skills of self-defense. Karate teaches practical self-defense moves that have real-world application.  For example, it teaches how to get out of a chokehold or how to get out from under an attacker, which can be the difference between a violent crime and getting home safely.  Students practice effective kicks and punches to protect themselves and learn to understand the skills necessary to disarm a gunman or an attacker with a knife.  With practice, these moves become second-nature, so women can use them whenever there is a need.  Knowing how to defend yourself in a variety of situations is an important life skill.

Gain Confidence

Not only is karate a great workout that teaches self-defense, but it also can build confidence in women.  The improved health in both mind and body makes you feel better and look better which can raise self-esteem.  Confidence also builds as women feel empowered, knowing they have the skills needed to defend themselves in a dangerous situation.  So then, things that can cause anxiety such as walking alone to your car at night can become less intimidating.  I found that to be the case, in my own experience. Mastering the skills of karate can create confidence by giving women a sense of accomplishment as they continue to learn and improve.  Karate fosters learning and personal growth while instilling confidence in its students.

Learning karate is a good investment of time because it teaches valuable skills that women can use for the rest of their lives.