Why learn martial art?” is a question that has many answers. The benefits of the training are widely touted and the popularity of mixed martial arts has brought new insight and perspective to the arts. Martial arts have become an important part of many people’s lives, among both adults and children. Parents enroll their kids at schools to improve their focus and discipline. Many adults have made the practice of martial arts a way of life. In my years of participating and coaching in boxing and the martial arts, I’ve heard about every reason a student might have. Some want to learn to defend themselves, while others hope to compete, and some just want a great workout.
For people new to the martial arts, the benefits of martial arts training might not be obvious. Some will think, sure, it’s a great workout–just look at that “Ty Bo” guy. And of course it’s good for self-defense, with all that punching and kicking. But the benefits of martial arts training, especially for children and teenagers, are much more than simple physical improvements. Martial arts benefits span a spectrum of physical, mental, and social attributes, all of which are learned and improved through martial arts training
Martial arts is becoming increasingly popular amongst Generation-Y, especially with the increasingly popularity of MMA and the UFC. Learning a martial art, whether it’s karate, taekwondo, judo, or jiu-jitsu, is more than just a method of self-defense and kicking ass. There are many psychological, spiritual, and physical benefits of getting involved in martial arts. Here are the top five reasons you should consider learning a form of martial arts.
When I first decided to train Muay Thai and start my Martial Arts journey I had no idea what to expect. Looking back on that first Muay Thai class years later I can proudly say that starting learn Martial Arts was the best decision of my life. Everyone always asks me why I learn Martial Arts and I always tell them the same thing: I’m obsessed. This wasn’t an overnight obsession however, there were many bumps and bruises (literally) on my journey. There are so many reasons why YOU should study Martial Arts that I had to compile a list of my 10 favorite things to help persuade you even more.
If you have any doubts regarding the safety aspect of training Martial Arts, look no further. Learn Martial Arts has its dangers (just like every other sport does), however it’s much safer to practice Martial Arts when compared to soccer or football. It all depends on what Martial Art you choose to study. Of course if you train Boxing and spar three times a week you’re much more likely to get injured when compared to someone who trains Karate with no contact at all.
While Martial Arts teaches techniques that are designed to defend yourself or to compete in well structured tournaments, there is much more to it that meets the eye.
You gain much more than just a bunch of techniques to hurt others.
When you commence the journey you discover that prevention and de-escalation are the ultimate goals in solving conflict.
Learn Martial Arts is a great way to enhance your life. The changes people experience go way beyond the skills they learn in class.
The skills learnt impact people individually, throughout their daily life and have positive impacts on people around them. Taking up Martial Arts lessons is the first step towards a better you.
Reasons to Learn Martial Arts
Self-Defense
This is the number one reason why most people decide to study martial arts. It truly doesn’t matter which martial art you study as pretty much any style is a great way to learn how to defend yourself. Martial arts not only teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself which allows you to anticipate and avoid potential dangers. Martial arts training also helps build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a dangerous situation and give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and fight back if needed.
Self-Confidence
Because you can handle yourself physically, you begin to develop confidence in yourself and your capabilities. You walk taller with your head up; you’re prepared, calm, and self-assured. You would be surprised at the change in your mental attitude after a decent sparring session at the dojo. You learn that you can endure, that you can apply real self-defense techniques, and that you are capable and strong.
As you become more proficient in your selected style of martial arts, your confidence will get a big-boost. You will become more self-assured and confident. This is great not only for the Martial Art you’re studying, but also for outside the gym. Learn a Martial Art has not only made me much happier with myself but also more comfortable in dangerous situations as we talked about above.
Focus and Awareness
In training, you must be very aware of your actions and the people around you. You become more aware of your environment, which helps to keep you safe out in the world. This broadening of awareness is important in life. It can help in school, work, and in your relationships. It can generally help you navigate your way through life.
You’ll Develop Persistence
If you’re training at a quality gym that’s pushing you to get into fight-level shape, your persistence will be challenged time and time again.
There are moments during every workout when I question my ability to continue to spar or complete a particular drill.
By constantly pushing yourself past these points of exhaustion, you build a tolerance to your instinct to quit. This tolerance translates to other areas of your life and allows you to persist past the point where lesser men would give up and fail.
Build Self-Discipline
Advancing in any discipline, including the martial arts, is built through daily effort and repetition. Students practice a set of moves hundreds of times in order to achieve mastery. In the process, technique and stamina are built. Students learn that progression occurs through their own efforts.
Not all martial arts students feel like sparring daily; but by working to master a technique or form, they learn the value of commitment and develop the determination to continue to excel. By participating in a series of classes, private lessons, or a combination of these, the martial arts student is rewarded with humility and unwavering self-discipline.
It Improves Your Mental and Physical Strength.
Learn martial arts strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. Any form of martial arts requires a combination of speed, flexibility, and physical strength. It provides a great all-around fitness workout and will keep you in great shape. Martial arts combine mental focus with physical toughness, which can push the body to do some incredible things.
Physical Fitness and Health
One major benefit of learn a Martial Arts program is the fitness you will develop along the road.
Losing weight, gain muscular strength and increased motor skills, while improving flexibility and mobility are only a few of the things you can achieve.
Feeling healthy and in great shape has a positive effect on other health parameters such as blood pressure, cholesterol among others.
The dangers of the sedentary lifestyle are well documented. When you start a physical activity such as Martial Arts you can help to increase the quality of your life.
Gender Equality
Another great thing about Martial Arts is that nearly anyone can do it! This includes Men and Women of all ages. The thing I love most about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in particular is that you will be humbled by the more advanced belts no matter if it’s a Man or a Woman.
This is also great for families that want their kids to do Martial Arts. Many parents would love if all of their kids could participate in the same sport and now they can with martial arts! Martial arts are one of the few “sports” where both boys and girls can play together. Martial Artist also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well.
Increased Flexibility
Repetitive movements like high kicks, low stances, fancy footwork, and ground maneuvering improve flexibility and mobility which will benefit your overall health.
Did you know that flexibility has many health benefits? Some of them include:
- Improved posture
- Better freedom of movement
- Reduced muscle soreness and tension
- Improved relaxation of mind and body
- Reduced risk of injury
The multi-directional movement of Kempo makes it a perfect martial art for those who want to improve flexibility. If flexibility is your goal, try it out!
Reduces Stress the Right Way
There are plenty of bad ways to reduce stress, and many of us have tried all of them. Martial arts offers a positive way to reduce stress. You direct your energy in a physical way that is beneficial, and there is no doubt that hitting a punching bag is a great way to release pent up energy and stress.
Experience Personal Growth
As physically and mentally demanding as hardcore martial arts training may be, students show consistent growth from the experience. Our expectations, appropriate to each student, are high and emphasize each student’s strengths: traditional martial arts training demands that students are pushed to slightly exceed their comfort level. By attempting and succeeding at feats they never imagined possible, we see amazing character development.
Integral to learn martial arts is studying to accept constructive guidance from instructors. Dealing with failure is also intrinsic to learning the sport. By throwing themselves into the learn of martial arts, practitioners are forced to deal with problems. Solutions extend beyond the classroom and into daily life.
It takes courage to pursue a martial arts discipline. Students discover truths about themselves as they move their bodies with grace and power. Being present is necessary to succeed. Combining courage, efficiency of movement and being fully aware helps students discover their authentic “Center”, promoting harmony of mind and body.
It Teaches You to Use Non-Violent Conflict Resolution.
Learn martial arts teaches you to mentally and physically refrain from violence and only use it for self-defense when it’s the last resort. Martial artists will try to refrain from conflict and use non-violent conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a physical altercation. In the real world, it’s equivalent to having the mental discipline to refrain from getting into fights with stupid people.
Goal Setting
Setting goals and following through to success is an essential skill in today’s world.
Just like setting goals in business or in our private lives, the road to your black belt starts with the first step.
To focus on your goal, work hard to achieve it and deal with occasional setbacks is a guarantee for success in Martial Arts and life in general. Everybody can quit, it is easy.
But true achievement only comes if you overcome the odds and keep going when times are hard.
Martial Arts is extraordinary in helping you develop this mindset. Set your goal, follow through and succeed.
Friends and Family
Most martial arts schools offer classes for both adults and children. While classes do not run simultaneously, they are usually one right after the other. This means that you can watch your children workout, and then they can watch you.
If you have the proper space for it, you can practice with each other at home, and learn from one another. This will give you a special activity to use as a bonding tool with your kids. You can also become physically fit together and have security knowing that your kids are well trained to handle a variety of real-life situations.
Make sure to avoid schools that have children and adults in the same class.
Stress Relief
Did you know that learn martial arts can help relieve stress? Often this is accomplished by focusing on the present and things you can control. Many forms of martial arts also emphasize being in complete control of your breathing and thoughts.
When you do this you’re learning a skill that can be applied throughout all areas of life. When you’re more focused and confident and your thoughts are more clear you’ll relieve yourself of stress in so many other parts of life too.
More than anything, going to martial arts class will help you leave with an increased mental focus and a greater appreciation for the world around you through a fun, safe, and challenging workout in an encouraging environment with like-minded people.
Learn Life Skills and Values
Skills for life are very important, especially for kids as well. Martial Arts is great for shaping values and behaviors such as focus, tolerance, fairness, humbleness, and discipline. Developing these skills through Martial Arts in a safe environment will be a major benefit for students of all ages.
Learn Martial Arts has taught me so much about life that I never expected. Not only is it a great workout, but the mental aspect of it all is very humbling. I never thought I would have grown so much throughout my Martial Arts training, and I’m so glad that I made that fateful decision to start training. Without Martial Arts my heart wouldn’t be as full as it is today. I wouldn’t have met the friends I have, I wouldn’t have the confidence or skill-sets that I carry with me outside of the gym either.
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