It gives you self control, is great for anger management, is good excercise, helps get your fitness and flexibility up, and gives you a very effective way of defending yourself if necessary. Is fun and is an entertaining hobby. There are many other benefits, which im sure other people will mention.
Ben pretty much covered a lot however he missed the most important part and that's it depends on how much you put into it. If you put no time or effort into it then you will gain nothing but if you put loads of time and practically torture yourself with training then the benefits are endless.
> Effective Self Defence
> Body and mind strength
> Disipline
and so much more.
Finding your own path in life without obeying society or authorities.
As long as you don't screw up you brain with repetative trauma then longevity is the main one
Depends which one you do, if you commit yourself to it:
Satisfaction and ambition in your life
Better fitness, strength and flexibility.
More energy, stress relief, happiness, and depending on how hard you train and what your train in - real fighting skills
It could change your life ;)