When most people hear the phrase “martial arts”, they immediately think of ninjas, kicks to the head and probably the UFC (Go Rousey!) But martial arts is so much more than that; it can be used to improve the mind as well as the body.

Whether you choose to learn taekwondo, jiu jitsu, karate or kenpo, the benefits are simply HUGE. It's also one of the few activities that the whole family can take part in.

Who Should Learn

Past the obvious use in self defense, traditional martial arts helps keep practitioners fit and limber. Compared to working out in a gym, martial arts can provide a low-impact way of getting in shape.

For the elderly members of the family, this can be a good way to get the blood pumping and increase their flexibility. Practitioners of tai chi have known this for years and the positive effects makes many practice it everyday.

Kids, teens and tweens can also benefit from learning a martial art; in fact parents are encouraged to start them off as young as possible. Learning the focus and discipline required to master a martial art, will leave a positive life-long effect on the child. Studies have shown that kids that take part in martial arts are generally more self confident and self reliant. While it gives them the skills needed to defend themselves against bullies, memorizing the moves also helps boost all-round mental alertness.

Choosing a Martial arts School

With all these benefits spelled out, I wouldn't blame you if you hopped online to find the nearest school, but that would be wrong. In martial arts, the quality of the instructor is as important as the school. A good school is only good if they have are skilled instructors.

While I may have raised the bar, one school ticks all these boxes and more. Trad Am Karate describe themselves as a dojo that specializes in “...helping students develop intuition...” to help defend themselves. Teaching karate, judo and jiu jitsu,Trad Am also teaches their own Traditional American Karate (TAK).

TAK is a system that uses techniques from different martial art styles to make the student effective at neutralizing threats. Developed over 20 years ago, TAK is taught at Trad Am by one of the inventors of the style, Floyd Burk.

Why Trad Am Karate

At Trad Am, classes are divided by age and skill level to prevent accidents occuring while ensuring students make steady progress at the weekly classes. While they offer open hand combat lessons, they also teach the use of weapons.

With a payment plan that doesn't tie students to contracts, Trad Am offers flexibility that many gyms lack.

The benefits of learning a martial art go beyond being able to defend yourself; plus it can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. For more information, visit Trad Am today on Carlton Hills Boulevard, Santee.

For up-to-date information about homes in the Santee region, contact the Quance Group on 619-324-5397.