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I was thinking of a top ten list for this subject, but then thought maybe I shouldn't limit myself. I am just going to start listing items and see how many I end up with. I am guessing that they may be in somewhat of an order of importance, but then realized that it depends upon the individual involved.

1. Getting in shape - I know of better and easier ways to get in shape, but this is one that is easier to stick with because it becomes a lifestyle rather than a forced habit.

2. Staying in shape - If you are already in good shape, but are aging and finding fewer things your body will allow you to do, martial arts can be adapted to your situation.

3. Improved flexibility - Anyone that becomes involved in a martial arts form will do exercises and stretches that will improve their flexibility. If they start out very flexible, this is easier and they can push it to the limit. If they start out extremely inflexible, improvement is guaranteed if they work at it.

4. Improved Mental Focus - Martial arts is as much a mind exercise as it is a physical exercise. You will work on improving focus, concentration, and emotional self-control.

5. Improved Balance - Martial arts requires good balance. As with anything else, balance generally improves with practice. If you practice martial arts, your balance will improve because the stances and movements are designed to achieve power through better body control, which equals balance.

6. More Self-Control - Martial arts is intended to teach people how to have better control of their body and mind. The two are trained to work together to achieve more than any natural talent can give you on its own.

7. Higher Self-esteem - As a person progresses through the belt ranks of martial arts, they gain confidence in their abilities, which translates into increased self-esteem.

8. Improved study habits - Martial arts classes are generally designed in a way to teach people skills in a step-by-step fashion. This shows students how to learn different skills by building their knowledge through repetitive practice. When the students apply this to other areas of their lives, they tend to concentrate better, learn faster, and retain the knowledge gained better.

9. Improved life style - Martial arts often makes people more aware of themselves and the aspects of their life style that do not contribute positively to their general health. The result is a positive change in eating habits or a reduction of other habits that negatively impact their abilities.

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