What do you get out of your Karate?

[walshy]

Thought I would ask the question, "what do do get out of your karate"?
I know everybody takes something different from their karate. Personally I like the challenges it brings, physical or mental. Also the constant learning and pushing ourselves. Another thing I like is that for the time that I am training nothing else seems to matter, it is just karate. No work, money or family issues to worry about, simply just karate. I find it quite theraputic, it clears the mind after a hard day (although I do find myself unable to wind down after a hard lesson).
So what do YOU get out of your karate?

[MilkManX]

Everything you just said but it has also helped to push me to get back into shape. It also has given me a more positive outlook on more things in my life.

[StarKodama]

Where do I start??

Besides the obvious benefits of getting in shape, I like how I always have a goal to work for, whether it be a grading or a tournament. Or both, as the case is now. :O Having goals keeps me motivated.

I also like how the dojo is a social meeting place as well-- it's nice to reconnect with the same people every time, but people from other dojos also come visit fairly often, so you can meet new people as well. Going drinking and stuff after practice is also great. I met my boyfriend at the dojo, which was pretty awesome. And I feel like doing karate helps me to understand the Japanese a little bit better. A little.

[vapor]

One of the things that I have gained is the ability to better understand and manage my emotions...

vapor

[tmd]

It's a very long list in my case but in summary - a better life.

[blackdog]

A plate, 10 screws, 50 staples, and 60 internal stitches on my broken leg (and a gnarly looking 9 inch scar, chicks dig scars )

Friends

Fitness

Humility

Bruises

A dozen or so trophies (ha ha, not many but for a bloke who is HOPELESS at sports, not bad )

Bumpy shins

A better attitude

A calmer outlook

A new business

A new (international) family

I could go on - How long have you got?

Suffice to say i have gotten far more out of Kyokushin than i ever dreamed i would.

Bren

[Shamo]

Mainly, discipline, or at least something close to that.

[sandman]

All of the above PLUS ...

Karate training is in my opinion the best chance to learn more about myself - how hard can I push myself? When I'm exhausted and in pain, do I give up or keep going? Can I push myself even harder the next time? Can I drag my butt out of bed at 4 am to go run 3 miles before work, or do I just lay there? etc...

I've learned that I'm capable of a lot more than I ever thought I was, and that is a very good feeling.

Osu!

[GJEChamberlain]

Osu!

It depends where you are and where you're starting from. People with low confidence or fitness may get different gains both mentally and physically to those who want to compete.

What do I get? Simple! Personal challenge(s)

These have changed though over the years, first, to get stronger, second, to win a major Tournament, third, to run a good dojo and lately just to try and stop cruel and relentless mother nature dragging me down that slippery slope - aka 'advancing years'

There's always something to set your mind to! Keeping pressing on is perhaps the biggest prize.

Gary

[senshido]

simple answer....fulfillment

[shinobijesus]

i dont know.

[Chuck]

pain lots of it and bruises and i get to let out frustrations on a bag its all fun really

osu!

[DKKC]

Happyness! Lots and lots and lots and lots of happyness!

[supergroup7]

good health, good skills, good guidance, goodness...

[RJC]

Karate was the catalyst for me to change from an ignorant bully, into a human being. I learned through karate that, what benefits or privledges I recieve, come about largely from the efforts of other people. For me, gratitude is the best technique I have.
Osu

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by RJC

Karate was the catalyst for me to change from an ignorant bully, into a human being. I learned through karate that, what benefits or privledges I recieve, come about largely from the efforts of other people. For me, gratitude is the best technique I have.
Osu

Nicely said, RJC. Have some rep!

Osu!

[Nix]

Originally Posted by RJC

Karate was the catalyst for me to change from an ignorant bully, into a human being. I learned through karate that, what benefits or privledges I recieve, come about largely from the efforts of other people. For me, gratitude is the best technique I have.
Osu

My instructor was featured in the newspaper yesterday. In the interview, he said that karate had changed him from a restless brat to a man with order and structure in his life, a decent education and job, as well as 3 world titles. He said the same as you, he used his temper to something good, and can thank karate and his fellow karateka for turning his life around. I can post it if you'd like, but it's in Danish.

[sandman]

Originally Posted by RJC

For me, gratitude is the best technique I have.
Osu

Osu! I like the way you said that...

[RJC]

Osu Nix, I would like to read that post. I could try an online translator. The ones I've used are sketchy, but there must be some good ones.