What can karate give you ?

I've been training in martial arts for 37 years and teaching for over 30.

In this time karate has given me a plethora of physical and mental benefits that I'd like to outline here in my blog so that if people are considering joining us in North Leeds to train they can see some of the benefits :

Physical fitness - this is an obvious one but the stretching, resistance training and aerobic exercise have served me well over the last nearly four decades and for a guy in his lates forties I would consider myself in pretty good condition. As an instructor I do feel that it is important to lead from the front and try to do extra workouts to stay in solid shape. But certainly martial arts makes a great basis for any exercise regime.

Discipline - practicing combat, even controlled in the way that we train requires great physical and mental discipline and this is something instil in all practitioners of karate - in particular I think this order and focus is vital for kids and I have encourages my two children to take up the sport as well.

Confidence - being fit, being focused and in good mental shape gives you confidence - I sometimes think that in the same way one can sometimes spot those who have spent time in the military it's also possible to do the same with martial artists. One can see a straighter posture, an ability to cope with stress and a watchful view on entry to unfamiliar locations.

Ability to defend oneself - in line with the above. This is one of the core elements of practicing any sport and personally I view it as a vital part of how I teach karate - avoiding and coping with conflict and an ability to defuse potential problems but also the confidence to deal if situations do go south.

Leadership skills - over the years I've taught in two style of karate, at three dojo's and now run a local club - this has really helped me in developing an ability to manage others and achieve goals.

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If you're interested in learning karate we train twice weekly in Yeadon, North Leeds (close to Leeds Bradford Airport and between Yeadon and Rawdon in an easily accessible local school.

To train or for more information check out our website : www.yeadonkarate.weebly.co.uk

To find out more about our instructor please feel free to listen to an interview he recently gave to a leading American martial arts podcast :

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/?s=knight