Martial arts training is mainly known for equipping students with self-defense skills, but it provides a ton of other benefits. Muay Thai, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), boxing, and Kung Fu are popular martial arts styles. They all differ from each other in technique and principles. This post will look at how martial arts training can improve the quality of your life.
Training martial arts is not a walk in the park. It may look like a breeze when you watch students and their masters on training sessions in movies. In real life, it can be difficult, especially if you are starting out.
Most people think they can master a martial art within a few months. Martial arts were meant to be a way of life and not something you can learn within a few weeks. You should exercise patience if you want to benefit from martial arts. Not having the right gear can also make training hard.
If you plan to start doing martial arts, the first thing you should do is look for the right martial arts uniform. There are various uniforms for different martial arts styles. For instance, you cannot buy a Jiu-Jitsu gi when you want to practice Taekwondo. The uniforms vary by fabric weight and prices, so you can always find one that matches your budget and martial arts style.
How Martial Arts Training Improves One’s Life
Martial arts training improves your life in the following ways:
1. It is Fun
There’s never a dull day in a martial arts training session. Imagine your typical day in a gym. You perform the same workouts, and in most cases, you are in uncomfortable tight-fitting clothes.
Sometimes, you have to wait until someone finishes using the gym equipment you need, which can mess up your schedule. Martial arts, on the other hand, enables you to stay focused every day. There are always techniques to learn or perfect. What’s more, you will be wearing gear designed for your specific style, and you can train at home.
2. Melts Fat Away
A 2019 survey revealed that 35.8% of Canadians were overweight, and 27.7% were obese. Evidently, many Canadians are struggling with being overweight. Unhealthy habits such as consuming foods with high sugar levels and not working out are the leading causes.
One of the best ways to get rid of the extra fat is engaging in martial arts. Martial arts is fun and incorporates intense workouts that quickly burn the extra fat. Some of the best martial arts for weight loss include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga.
3. It Improves Your Physical Ability
There’s no doubt that martial arts improve one’s physical ability. First, it strengthens muscles in various parts of the body, such as the core, arms, and legs.
Secondly, it increases flexibility. Styles such as Jiu-Jitsu and MMA make one more flexible, which comes in handy when facing an attacker. Thirdly, martial arts boosts your reflexes. When sparring, reaction time is vital as you won’t want to be “hit” by your opponent. Good reflexes can help in real-life situations such as swerving to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Martial arts also improve one’s coordination. Executing and blocking strikes requires coordination and stability. Note that enhancing your coordination requires regular practice.
4. Keeps You Motivated
Students should be in the right state of mind to get the full benefits of martial arts. This is why students learn principles such as honour and perseverance. Meditation and breathing exercises are meant to help you stay focused and motivated.
5. It Keeps You Disciplined When Making Lifestyle Choices
Unlike most sports, martial arts were designed to improve a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health. There are rules and principles to help practitioners achieve this. For instance, people need to be careful about the food they eat. To be in the right physical state, you need to consume healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Getting enough sleep also enables you to stay focused and have enough energy to handle the intense exercises.
If you are serious with your martial arts training, you will become physically fit, more flexible, lose weight, improve your mental health and boost your reflexes. Some things that will influence your choice of a martial arts discipline include your preferred style, proximity to a dojo, and an instructor’s reputation.
