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Improved hygiene - When a person joins a class where they practice barefoot, are in close proximity with several other people, and have to physically interact with those other people, they often are very aware of any hygienic issues they may have and strive to improve.

11. Improved Self-confidence - This is similar to self-esteem, but is more of a reaching out of yourself to others rather than focused within.

12. Increased humility - In martial arts, no matter how good a person becomes, more than likely they will meet other people that are equally or more skilled in certain aspects of their martial art. This often has a humbling effect on the most gregarious people.

13. Age does not matter - I have taught students from age 5 to age 67 at various times. Anyone can learn something positive from martial arts if the instructor takes the time to work with them and recognizes their limitations.

14. Physical limitations can be overcome - I have a student that came to our class at the advice of his physician. He had severe arthritis and was suffering terribly and losing more physical ability every day. After 7 years, he is now a black belt and one of the toughest sparring partners I know due to his unique physical abilities and mental strength. The arthritis will never go away, but the exercises and stretches done in martial arts has helped to slow some of the progressiveness of his disease.

15. Discovery of unknown talents - Every student I have ever seen has unique physical, mental, and emotional abilities. Each one learns things in a slightly different way, but we all end up at the same place with practice. Through this progression, most people find out things about themselves that they never knew. I found out that I had the ability to be a teacher. That was almost 10 years ago. I am still teaching.

I believe this list could still be expanded upon, but that the most important elements with brief descriptions or examples are included. Personally, I will never regret my decision to start practicing Tae Kwon Do. It ended up being a life-changing decision for me that I have been able to share with many others.

Learn more about this author, Dave Kemp.
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