For some who aren’t familiar with karate, it can seem like just a series of chops and kicks that require great skill, and nothing more. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Karate doesn’t just provide effective combat and self-defense techniques, but also a number of additional lessons trainees can apply to any aspect of their lives. At Japan Karate-Do Cincinnati in West Chester, OH, the renowned teachers are always explaining to students the most important factors and characteristics karate can teach you.

Here are three critical qualities karate will teach you:

• The Value of Leaving Your Comfort Zone: Any martial arts program begins with simpler moves, but the ultimate goal is to progress to advanced levels, each one more demanding in a physical and emotional sense. It’s only when karate trainees challenge themselves to try new moves, fall, and try again that they can hope to go from belt to belt. The same lesson applies to life in general.
• The Concept of “Don’t Quit:” In karate, a fight doesn’t stop when one person stumbles or falls; no matter who is at the losing end at any given point in a fight, it isn’t truly over until someone is pinned on the floor. This imparts the lesson of not giving. Whether it’s losing a job, a home, or another dream you may work hard at in life, a bout of failure shouldn’t discourage you from keeping going. Karate teaches you the importance, and the value, of getting back up and trying again until you achieve your goals.
• It’s All About Journey, Not the Destination: Karate teaches you the value of experience. Reaching the black belt pinnacle may be the goal that you begin your karate program with, but whether you achieve it or not, the effort, time, and commitment you put towards that goal is ultimately what will stay with you the most. Similarly, in life itself, the process of working towards a goal can be far more gratifying than whether you actually achieve it or not.

To begin your karate — and life — lessons with Japan Karate-Do Cincinnati, call them at (513) 860-4386. You can also visit their website and Facebook page for more information.