Martial Arts for Wellbeing rather than defence

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sinbadsailor

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Can anyone suggest a martial art that someone could study in relation to
body and mind improvement, rather than combat/defence traingin?

I would like to get into in for stress relief, meditation, relaxation,
mind strengthening and control, and general improvement to wellbeing.

I have no interest in big classes, with sparring and the whole hard-man
egotistical stuff going on?
 
Yeah I was thinking of that as an option alright, it being the obvious choice.
I realise that the tuition is required but as I said the self defence is welcome but not as the main priority. I am looking to make some fundamental changes health, mind and body wise.
 
After reading what you said above, why choose martial arts?
Why not Yoga ?
 
You might have to try a couple of different courses to find the one which suits you best.

I did Tai Chi and found the classes I did were mainly meditation with some slow movements. There are different types of Tai Chi though as in all courses I guess and it often comes down to the instuctor. I changed to pilates and personally find it much better and more enjoyable. Its great for stretching and toning etc and I feel really relaxed with increased energy levels after a class (I know that sounds like a contradiction). You can continue the classes to different levels or stay at a certain level if that suits you better.
 
I would imagine any martial art would suit your needs if taught properly. I have done a small amount of Shoringi kempo and several years of traditional (shotokan) karate and neither focus on the 'fight'. Karate, for teens tends to be all fight and practising those deadly kicks, but for me it's about learning the movements and the forms/sequences (kata) and practising. By the time you have done the same kata 20 times, focusing on your heels the first time, your breathing the next etc you are getting both great physical and mental training. I'm learning in france so can't recommend a club for you, but do try to view a few classes to see what the general atmosphere is like. We do a general warm-up, some specific technique, perhaps apply the technique in combat situation, but never actually hit hard, but control the impact. Teenagers then do combat and adults can choose technique or combat. I find it a great way to deal with stress. I also tried yoga but found it very slow. Google 'karate kata' and view some on youtube, fantastic exercise with a purpose (defence).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z136yV8pqU&feature=related
this guy is amazing
 
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