Why do you train?

**Ninpo** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 1:12am

New to this site. Forgive me if this question has been asked many times. I am sincerely curious what people's reasons are. I look forward to hearing from anyone. I have no agenda. Thanks and best wishes. Russ

**Colin** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 1:13am

I train in brutal arts so I can claim the moral high ground in MA bullshit discussions. :P

srsly though I originally got into martial arts, since my dad just enrolled my brother and I into boxing, and when I moved out of the area I started Aikido, and then later I found bullshido and got interested in more alive martial arts, and dropped the Aikido, and got into Judo/Boxing MMA combo.

Years later, I got into BJJ/MT/MMA combo for effectiveness reasons.

**Ninpo** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 2:04am

Hi Colin. Thanks for the info. To clarify, my question is more about what is the actual reason anyone trains. Self defense, MMA wins, fitness, etc. For me like most, it is self defense. Defense from what? Perhaps the drunk at the bar, the hoodlum on the street, the burglar in one's house, the guy who won't allow one to leave a situation, etc. I am interested in any aspect of any art that protects a person/gets them out of trouble (or avoids it before it starts) on any level, should the unfortunate situation arise. Just looking to get the discussion going. I am up way too late. Goodnight.

**Katriona1992** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 2:17am

I train because
a) its fun
b) I have great dojo/gym mates
c) self defense is important
d) I don't want three chins.

**Katriona1992** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 2:20am

Update: Seld defense against...any situation which I could not prevent I guess. My first move would always be to hand over my wallet but if that doesn't work, its nice to have a chance to escape from a drunk or any shady character...

**Hiro Protagonist** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 2:37am

I train because I want to hook up with hot chicks
and eat a lot without getting too fat.

**Prince Vlad** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 3:24am

I took up judo when I was 8 because my dad enrolled me, kempo when I was 12 because it was different, Bujinkan when I was 15 because I wanted to be like Sho Kosugi. My motivations changed through college and out the other side - I kept up the Booj and did a bit of MMA and Muai Thai for purely macho reasons. Now that I'm married and have kids I train BJJ, Judo and Krav because they keep me sane, regiment my lifestyle and because they are fun. Mostly I train now because I want to be able to protect my family and be a strong father figure to my kids.

**Cake of Doom** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 4:07am

I train because it fun and it keeps me out of the pub for a few hours a week. Less beer = less nagging.

**Gidi** · Posted On: 7/05/2011 4:17am

I train because it's fun. I love it, I'm rarely as happy as I am on the mat.
It really is as simple as that.
I've played many sports in my life and sucked at almost all of them. But doing MA, and especially judo, I really don't care that I suck and I'm still having fun.

Plus, you meet cool people, learn fun stuff and get to work out - it's a good deal.

As for self defence issues, I really put more faith in my non-confrontation demeanor and a good run than any Seoi-Nage I might pull on the guy.