Total body workout: Karate is a high-aerobic workout that uses every muscle group in the body. Your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and strength will all improve through karate.
Healthy lifestyle: Due to the total-body nature of a karate workout, tons of calories are burned during every class. However, you’ll also find that your natural eating signals become better regulated, so food cravings will disappear and you’ll eat less as a result.
Self-confidence: Due to the goal setting, positive encouragement and respect for values that are part of all karate programs, the greatest benefit usually reported by students is greater self-confidence. You become more comfortable in all situations – whether you’re in danger or simply doing a task that takes you beyond your comfort zone — and you’ll discover you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Improved cardiovascular health: Research has found that the only real way to improve the status of the cardiovascular system is by participating in activities that stress the heart, such as karate.
Weight loss: A one hour session of moderate intensity karate can burn up to 500 calories.
Improved reflexes: Research has found that by participating in karate, you not only improve your reflexes while performing the activity, but actually experience faster reaction times during all activities of your life. This is very important in a number of daily activities, such as driving.
Focus and stillness: You will learn what it is to be still, challenged and focused.
Teaches great morals and values: Patience, insight, and calmness are considered pre-requisites of good karate. This reminds students of the right attitude, frame of mind, and virtues to strive for inside and outside the dojo.
Muscle tone: By participating in karate, you can greatly improve the amount of muscle mass you have in your body. The higher your muscle mass, the higher your metabolic demands will be, and subsequently the more calories you will burn each day, thereby helping prevent obesity and promote weight loss. High levels of muscle mass also lead to increased agility, thereby preventing falls as you age.
Better mood: Researchers have found that participating in a regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Performing karate is not only a good way to relieve stress and frustration, but may actually help to make you happier. The endorphins released by physical activity appear to be active in your body for as many as four hours after exercise.