The Benefits of Martial Arts Training

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Though most people would list physical fitness as an obvious benefit of studying martial arts, few people really understand all of the physical benefits that are gained. Martial arts students will achieve an increase in strength and flexibility, develop stronger bones and joints, enjoy greater stamina and energy, develop better coordination and balance, and are able to maintain a healthy weight.

MENTAL BENEFITS

 Though the martial arts seem at first glance to be merely a set of physical skills, in reality the real goal is to condition the mind. It is the mind that has to learn to act quickly, often reading subtle signs and being able to respond appropriately. The mental benefits of martial arts are possibly more significant than the physical. Some of these are:

Mental Focus - The martial artist must learn to bring all of his or her attention to the activity at hand.  People who suffer from ADD or ADHD benefit tremendously from practicing the martial arts.

Improved Learning Ability - Learning is a skill. Children who work their way through a martial arts curriculum are learning how to learn. The level of challenge, the individuality of instruction, and the visible results all work to make learning martial arts uniquely valuable in the art of learning itself.

BEHAVIORAL BENEFITS

Some people have the misconception that martial arts training will lead to their children acting more aggressively or more out of control. Actually, the reverse is true. Children who participate in a traditional martial arts program often show improved behavior in several ways:  respect for authority, higher self-esteem, a more positive attitude, and a calmer demeanor.

ATTITUDE

Discipline - While natural talent may carry some people a long way in many sports, martial arts training requires discipline. Many of the specific skills that are practiced in martial arts can only be achieved by doing difficult exercises repeatedly.  This teaches the student to stick with a goal or objective until it is reached.

Mental Awareness - This attitude helps the student respond better to many aspects of life. The sparring exercises that are done in class teach the student to be able to think clearly in stressful situations. This calmness of mind translates well into stressful situations that are non-combative.

INTANGIBLES

Self-Defense - The most overrated and underrated benefit to martial arts is self-defense. It is overrated in that many people believe that martial arts are only about self-defense. There are so many other reasons for being in the martial arts that an experienced martial artist may forget to even mention this one. It is also an underrated benefit. A trained martial artist rarely, if ever has to use his or her skills in the street. Thus, it is easy to forget that self-defense is an important element in the martial arts. In fact, martial artists have a confidence, attitude, and awareness that make actual confrontations rare.

Individual Development - Martial arts is a lifetime study for many people. The path or the way of martial arts may lead the student into other disciplines, or through increasing levels in one's primary discipline. Unlike many sports or studies, there is no end to the path through the martial arts. The student can go as far as he or she is willing to go.

Goal Setting - The belt system that we use in the martial arts is more than just a system of rank.  It is a very effective means of teaching students how to set small, incremental goals to achieve a long-term objective. Knowing how to set and achieve goals is the single most important principle of success. 

Fun - One of the most important benefits of martial arts training is that it is fun. It may be difficult, trying, and frustrating, but there is always the excitement that comes from accomplishment.

Call us at (918) 557-6553 with questions regarding our martial arts classes.