People study martial arts for many reasons, including physical fitness, personal security and building self-esteem, attributes vital to success as adults.

Kung fu started for monks to get physically fit. Martial arts help to develop cardiovascular fitness as well as muscle strength. According to the American Council on Exercise, physically active children have fewer chronic health problems than kids who are sedentary. Regardless of which type of martial art one participates in, it is a good source of exercise and physical activity.

Sophomore Constance Young, who studied taekwondo, said, “ Martial arts are a great form of physical activity because they have a mixture of endurance and high intensity workouts.”

Martial arts are best known for their ability to teach fighting techniques. However, martial arts are often used as self-defense for many against bullies and forces which, in turn, prevents further bullying and fights.

Senior Kuulei Woods said, “Learning taekwondo has benefitted me because it ensures when I go out with my friend or little sisters that I can protect myself and others.”

Self-esteem is based on a feeling of self-worth. If one feels capable and confident, then she will have healthy self-esteem. Martial arts training builds self-esteem through providing incremental successes through levels, abilities and outcomes.

Martial arts also encourage respect in students. Simple signs of respect such as bowing and polite responses to seniors or instructors are evidence of respect in a martial arts environment.

Sophomore Leeyannah Santos said, “Martial arts embed respect into students’ minds because of the amount of discipline that is involved in everyday classes. Respect is not only taught for students but also parents and others.”

Martial arts, like other types of exercise,relieve stress. Unlike in the movies, martial arts are about training and techniques, not violence. Martial arts classes allow students to release anger and energy, which includes a good workout and calms them through exhaustion.