(Drums & Tuba, from their 2001 album Vinyl Killer)

Some people see the martial arts as combat training. Some see self defense. Some see a personal physical challenge. Still others find mental focus. There are many possible reasons why a person would become interested in the martial arts, but for all of them equally there is the same potential benefit of increased physical and mental discipline and the ability to achieve that which even the practitioner once thought not possible.

With so many different systems and styles that are taught, there is almost certainly at least one system that is in tune to the desires of any potential student, whether his goals are to become a strong fighter, an artistic performer or just to improve his physical and mental state. For example, Tai Ji and Yoga can provide fantastic health benefits to someone of any age, by increasing joint mobility and flexibility and increasing effective blood flow throughout the body.

I have been practicing Shaolin Lohan Pai Kung Fu for some years now. There is no question that my training has helped me to achieve "the development of the mind through the discipline of the body", one of our core goals. It has been integral for me in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, especially in today's world where one can very easily slip into a pattern of continued physical inactivity.

Being able to directly measure the results I personally have achieved through the martial arts, I strongly recommend to anyone and everyone to seek out the available martial arts in your community, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle and feel that you need something to "jump-start" your activity level and get you back on the path to health. Remember, it won't be easy at first. "Kung Fu" itself loosely translates to "hard work"! But the most important thing is to get out there and get started today!

P.S. For more in-depth information about training and the martial arts, visit Dai-SiHing Matt Talbert's blog.