The “holistic” approach is nothing new. In the ancient Shaolin Temple, this approach was the cornerstone, indeed, the point, of all teachings. The person as a whole was brought along a carefully-ordered path with patience and broad understanding, to bring out the very essence of their strength of mind, body and spirit.

Bellevue Martial Arts Academy continues this time-honored path. All the many and varied physical techniques necessary to make a good Martial Arts system are patiently taught in one-on-one classes, at a rate tailored to each student. And relaxation, Chinese Yoga and breathing techniques are taught at Bellevue Martial Arts School as well as the physical practices so important to make a good practitioner.

The combination of the physical and the mental creates a spiritual whole. Bellevue martial arts instruction has a goal of enhancing each student’s ability to draw on their most basic energy–their Chi–to drive their every thought and action. Ultimately, that’s what the true Way of the Warrior, and real Martial Arts, are all about.

In the special martial arts academy at Bellevue martial arts school, students study the ancient martial arts system, combining the five animals, the Dragon, Tiger, Snake, Crane and Leopard. The curriculum is described as a blend of northern and southern Chinese Martial Arts styles. The same well-established program is taught in several Martial Arts classes across the United States and in Canada, as part of a well-developed, interlocking system.

Training methods and philosophy in the Martial Arts academies belonging to this system all follow the ancient traditions developed by the famous and revered Shaolin Temple. And energy and balance in all things are the goals.

Mention martial arts, and most people will automatically think of Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, who have both helped to make it more popular in the West. There’s a romantic idea that by knowing one of the various martial arts disciplines, it will turn you into a super warrior ready to deal with any given situation. While this is true to a certain degree, there are far more benefits than simply being able to handle yourself in a confrontation.

Indeed, true martial arts students will always try to avoid conflict at all costs, and only use their training to resolve a situation as a last resort. By recognising how a certain argument or disagreement is progressing, through knowledge of how to spot specific signs, someone trained in martial arts will usually be able to prevent any violent escalation, and if this fails, will have the self-defense knowledge to deal with it.

Another benefit, especially for children, is that martial arts instill a sense of discipline into you. With the years of training and study that being successful in your chosen form (karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, tai chi, etc) entails, you have to be dedicated to see it through. There may be times you’re tired, or just simply don’t want to train, and cajoling yourself to still give 100% is just part of the overall discipline skills that can be transferred into your private life. Children will learn more patience, and adults will be more tolerant.

It’s also a great way to both getting and staying fit. With it often being convenient to simply laze around in front of the television, or stick your kids in the bedroom with a video games console to keep them occupied, the average person now weighs approximately 20lbs than someone as recent as ten years ago. Heart disease is on the increase, and children are taking part in less sports activities than ever before. Since martial arts are such an enjoyable way of exercising, you fitness levels will be boosted and your health will improve as a result.

With fitness in mind, another reason to enjoy martial arts is that you don’t have to worry about being self-conscious about yourself, as you would normally do when you join a gym for the first time. Whereas you may look at the members of a gym class or training session and feel out of place amongst super-fit and toned bodies, with martial arts this isn’t the case. Even the highest ranked Master can look like an everyday Joe. Another thing worth remembering is that in a martial arts class, it’s not about how you look, but more about how you feel. Since no two classes are ever the same, there’s far less chance of you becoming bored with training the same way you might at a gym.

Self-confidence is also another major factor as to why practising martial arts is so popular a pastime, in both adults and children. By learning more about yourself as a person, and that you have the ‘tools’ to deal with most situations in life, your self-esteem and belief in yourself will grow. With the extra belief in yourself, you’ll find yourself trying things you wouldn’t normally: you’ll have the confidence to ask that person out you’ve admired for a while, or you’ll apply for that job you always let pass you by. With self-belief comes positivity, and this will carry over into your personal life.

Perhaps one of the most beneficial areas of learning martial arts is the feeling of inner peace and serenity it can help you achieve. With meditation an integral part of various martial art disciplines helping to combat everyday stress, there really is no reason not to enjoy this popular pastime yourself, no matter what age you are.