As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in todays world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu and other martial art styles will improve ones cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out with weights. But overall power of ones body will definitely increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use strength effectively.
Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion from the body are exercised. This is especially true...