Martial Arts is not only for the gifted, the strong, and aggressive, but for everyone, regardless of basic ability or potential. A good instructor can sense the need of each student, and give the type of training needed to help each one. Martial arts have been practiced for centuries as unarmed defense techniques and healthful exercise. Many martial artists have learned the Buddhist principle of self-cognizance, which can't be achieved the martial arts practice alone, but through a combination of religion, education, introspection, and other philosophical virtues. I found this self-cognizance through persistent training in both physical and spiritual fundamentals.
Many people spend their entire lives searching for such a principle.
Consequently, many of the problems in society today are caused by those who, in their early lives, were not given appropriate guidance to search for self-cognizance. A person receives a physical body from parents, but often the spiritual guidance to harmonize that body with the soul is lacking. This is where traditional martial arts study enters the picture. It strengthens the body, and if practiced in its truest sense, nurtures the mind as well. Regular practice of martial arts forms, movements, and technique has vitalized my own physical and mental coordination and enhanced my self-confidence and control.