Do you feel that? That little tugging sensation on your heart?
You’re not sure what, but something is pulling you to change. Perhaps you’ve felt it for a while, perhaps this is something new. It could be something small, or it could be a lifelong dream. But change is scary. Trying something new carries the possibility of failing and that stops you from trying.
I felt the same way. Walking through the doors to my first class was something that I had real anxiety about. Thankfully, that was completely misplaced.
My First Class
By the end of my first class, I was a sweaty mess! I was tired and I was aching, but ultimately knew I had taken my first steps on a road that I would never leave. Before the class started the instructor had asked me about any previous experience or any injuries, I was introduced to some of the other students, then the class started and we were off.
Despite that class being nearly 7 years ago, I can still remember the atmosphere and the buzz after it. How hard we worked and how accomplished I felt for doing something that would benefit me and my family for the rest of my life. I want to make sure I can always keep up with my kids!
There are many different motivations for starting a martial art. Whatever yours are, if they help you out the door and into your first class they are valuable. Seriously, one of our black belts started because as a kid wanted to be a ninja turtle!
The Benefits Of Traditional Martial Arts
Let’s be clear. Kuk Sool Won isn’t MMA. Or a three week self-defence course that promises you will be ready to fight King Kong at the end of it. Kuk Sool Won is a traditional martial art and that means it’s so much more. For a start, the syllabus is expansive.
Forms are choreographed patterns of movement that will teach you footwork, strength and poise. Techniques involve throws, sweeps, and pressure points. Sparring teaches speed, accuracy, distance and timing. As you progress you will also start to learn traditional weapons such as the staff and sword.
The true gold, however, is what you learn without realising. Things like discipline. To push yourself past what you thought was your limit. Confidence to tackle new things and overcome them. And long-lasting friendships. Some of the best friends I’ve ever had try to punch me in the face every week!
My Journey to Black Belt
Since I was a child I wanted to be a Black Belt. I admit that at the beginning it was perhaps a shallow desire for the prestige, but it never really went away. The journey to Black Belt is a great challenge. It’s demanding physically and mentally. It requires years of dedication and practice. It does mean, however, that when you achieve it you have something very special indeed.
You will have accomplished something few ever will, and that means that when life challenges you, you know you have dealt with harder things. In a very real way, this has been a source of strength for me during challenging times in my life.
What are you waiting for?
If you have taken the time to look out this website and read this blog, you must be considering trying Kuk Sool Won. My advice is don’t wait any longer. Everyone had to have their first class sometime so everyone knows how it feels. Putting it off until you’re fitter or you’ve lost a little weight is a common excuse, but counterproductive.
This is why starting Martial Arts classes at Kuk Sool Won Kirkcaldy is the best thing you’ll ever do!
If you have any questions or are still unsure please reach out to us. We can’t wait to see you at your first class!
