A family that plays together can get a good workout together. Exercise is important, but it should also be fun. If you are looking for a way to do this as a family, try martial arts.

When many people think of martial arts, they imagine the show, “The Ultimate Fighter”, or a scene from an old Bruce Lee movie. That is television and only a small representation of the sport.

Martial arts are an activity that involves the entire body and the mind. It originated on the Asian continent. There are many different styles of martial arts for you and your family to choose from.

When you see someone in a classroom performing moves it may seem difficult, but no one starts at the top. No matter what your age, there are classes for adults and children. Some classes include all age groups and are only separated by the ranking for which you are training.

Martial arts have many benefits for the entire family. Here are a few:

* Discipline – In order to perform the moves correctly, you learn to master your body. While it is important to take things slow, with practice and a positive attitude there is nothing that you cannot do.

* Cardiovascular fitness – Martial arts require balance and concentration throughout the moves. This is important for sparring matches and competition situations. All of the choreographed movement raises your heart rate. Using various breathing techniques at different points during the moves promotes more efficient oxygen usage.

* Strength training – Using free weights and machines is not the only way to build muscle. Holding poses, performing kicks and punches also build stronger muscle fibers. With each movement the muscles maintain a level of control through tension.

* Respect – As a student of the dojo, you are subject to the teacher (sensei). You learn to practice with others and respect your teammates. A teacher also teaches you to find respect within yourself in order to find confidence to try harder and succeed.

* Teamwork – When families work together in a martial arts class, they learn how to interact in a different way. In the beginning you are all on the same playing field. To learn and grow, you have to depend on each other for help.

Martial arts provide benefits both for physical health and for mental and personal growth. Even children can learn respect and discipline that translates over into how they carry themselves around your home.

Each member of the family gains a new-found confidence in themself as a result of pushing to succeed in the martial arts class. This is in addition to getting a good workout each time you attend class.

Martial arts are a great workout for the entire family. While you get a chance to do something important together, the valuable skills that are learned will help you all communicate better and stand stronger as a family unit.