There are dozens of styles to choose from. Martial arts are the physical part of an entire spiritual discipline designed to teach us to live as better and happier people. It's also good exercise.I think practicing karate and other martial arts is really adding something sacred to our American understanding of people. How did that happen?I think it's partly because Americans are so competitive. Martial arts have become incredibly popular in the US. You move up the ranks from one belt color to another until finally you're at the top and you're a black belt in karate. Why is that? Any martial arts student from any decent school can tell you that you are honoring the other person. His father was his first karate teacher. And yes, we get to compete and get a little exercise in, too.About this writerAiko Mettarod moved from Japan with his parents as a child. You honor them as another spiritual being on the planet. Monks in monasteries learned the martial arts. To many, a martial art is just another sport. They believe that our bodies must be healthy temples for our spirits. Do you? There may be, but I have never heard of it. You can read more articles about martial arts at Tsunami Karate.In karate, and all the martial arts, we bow to our opponent before and after the match. Many of us don't get nearly enough exercise. You honor them for their skill. Karate, jujitsu, aikido, kung fu, qi gong, taekwondo, tai chi. I don't know of any comparable practice in Catholicism. But if we can engage in Steel Cord Conveyor Belts Manufacturers a little friendly martial arts tournament and work out at the same time, we can really get into that.In the East where all the martial arts came from, it's a bit more than just a sport or a way to exercise. Drive through any little strip shopping center in nearly any city and you're likely to see a martial arts studio. You honor them for giving you the honor of the match.