The Benefits of Martial Arts Training

[cleung]

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community.

As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today's world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and other martial art styles will improve one's cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out with weights. But overall power of one's body will definitely increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use strength effectively.

Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion from the body are exercised. This is especially true with martial art styles such as Tae Kwon Do, Thai Kickboxing as well as some schools of Karate and Kung Fu where high kicks are used. All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one's coordination as well.

Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind's focus but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through their training. In today's hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress management tools available. When training in a martial arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the big world out there.

Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially beneficial for children who were not very confident in the first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with much less fear.

An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former "problem" kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social or economic backgrounds they come from.

Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering physical, mental and emotional aspects that it's no wonder why it has become one of the most popular activities for both adults and children. However, it is important to point out that not all martial arts programs will produce the range of benefits discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques may not result in the desired mental and spiritual benefits so it is important to search around for the right martial arts school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve.

[Patrick]

Thank you for the submission.

[Scotty]

Great article, it gives a good overview of what it's all about.

[parkerlineage]

Nice summary - very all-encompasing. Good work!

[cathal]

It is a good summary, something you can put up on a flyer or pamphlet for prospective students.

[csmnjam]

i am in the best shape of my life since i started martial arts training and before i had a bad attitude but that has changed as well so i belive that martial arts help you to be a better person all around

[bushido_man96]

Very nice article. You have produced a wonderful overview of the arts. I know that my patience has improved quite a bit from my MA training, most of it coming from working with kids.

Although some would say I am still impatient!

[FushinRyu]

i am in the best shape of my life since i started martial arts training and before i had a bad attitude but that has changed as well so i belive that martial arts help you to be a better person all around

oh yeah my style changed my whole life!!!!!!! im so flexible im close to doing splits now!!! sometimes i wonder what my life would be if i didn't take karate... i would be excessively welll.... fat!!!

[joesteph]

As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. . . .

Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind's focus but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through their training. . . .

An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. . . . Martial arts kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social or economic backgrounds they come from.

An excellent article, Cleung.

When my marriage ended, my life changed drastically. My two children, in the autistic spectrum, were recommended for karate by a specialist, and I decided to have them give it a go; it was the best decision I could have made for them. I eventually began to study at the same dojang, and my own mental/emotional state improved significantly.

Just tonight, we did something different at the dojang. I've been assisting on Mondays and Wednesdays, my boys' karate days, but this time I'd been asked by our instructor not to participate, that she might gauge how the boys are disciplined without me on the dojang floor. The boys displayed good behavior, but asked her if I could do karate with them again, which she agreed to. It felt so good that my sons had asked for me!

[Chikara]

Excellent post!

I have to agree as well with Joesteph. My bro has Asperger's and he went to Trooper Youth Week and their martial arts training made him much more confident and a lot nicer, not so angry. So, Mom's going to get him into this Kung Fu place.

I think most of us already know the benefits, but we always miss a few and it's always encouraging to see them listed.