I was just having a conversation with one of my friends who is taking kung fu lessons. I did karate a few years ago, but had to stop for medical reasons.

The thing that got me interested in martial arts, aside from the self-defense aspect is the spiritual side of it. It was relaxing, and very calming. It taught me a lot of other disciplines, such as balance, co-ordination and AWARENESS. The awareness about your own mind, body and surroundings is a very satisfying aspect of martail arts (I did a defensive form of karate)

Gear freak - enjoy your lessons. take in the spiritual side as well as the physical, and have fun!