What do you think

[chunk5422]

I am new at this posting thing, and I haven't been in martial arts for several years, however I am a 1st degree in the ATA style of Taekwondo. I was just wondering what others thought of the benefits that martial arts provide for other sports like football or wresteling. I personally have competed in all three of the sports and found that the balance and self control that it provides became a major benefit for the other sports. Who ever else would like to chime in on this is more than welcome let me know what you think.

Scott

[A. Orstrom]

I feel that MA provides benefits for most other sports. You will benefit from the balance that taekwondo has given you in both wrestling and football for example.

[cathal]

For me the biggest improvements were in basketball, and squash/tennis.

[bushido_man96]

I think that other sports practitioners can learn a lot from the skill development that martial arts provides, especially in balance and footwork.

In response, what do you think martial artists could learn from playing sports like football and basketball?

[chunk5422]

I believe that I was able to use and this may sound weird but the focus that I learned in both football and wresteling. I started participating in these two sports before I ever participated in TKD. And in both of these wrestleing more so than football you learn how to focus on your opponent. Think about it, it is just you against the other person you have to attack and then learn a weakness as you go. I don't care what any coach says its not a team winning games it is individuals who at the same time compete against other individuals to overcome one on one no matter what sport. Personal opinion of course

[Sohan]

I find that my martial arts training has made me an all-around much improved athlete. I was a decent athlete in school when I boxed, swam, and powerlifted, but I became even more of an athlete when I began taking traditional martial arts because of the balance, coordination, and ability to generate power I derived from it. Boxing was a wonderful experience, but I never used my hips as effectively as I do in the asian martial arts--maybe that's more the coaching than the art, because in Muay Thai we have really focused on hip power as well.

Today, at nearly 40, I am as fit as most 20 year olds, but it is more than just muscle and strength. I can apply my muscle more effectively, and I have gained a heightened kinesthetic sense of where each part of my body is and what it needs to do at a given moment. Also, my reflexes and my peripheral senses are much sharper as well.

My brother is 5 years younger than me, and was a much better athlete than I as a teen, but today, bless him, I run circles around the kid in all sports--and I credit this to my traditional MA training.

With respect,

Sohan

[Mischievousjoe]

It's definitely helped me in many endeavors - to some degree this is the requisite fitness level you must keep up with the martial arts. But most valuable I think is the ability to focus on skill aqusition and know what is needed to improve on something. ( ie determination, repetition , and concerted effort on practice) This is something that applies to many areas of life I've found.

[pittbullJudoka]

You know I can't really relate how it benifits othrs sports because I wrestled in high school while taking Shorin Ryu.And I'm now a Kenpo stylist but my wrestling in hs has helped my addapation in grappling arts.

[jaymac]

Martial Arts I believe helps not only in other sports but in all aspects of life, even in the work place. It helps ease stress and keeps you focused and more calm in situations where you could easily be angered. In sports, I see it help in the same areas but also is great for coordination and reaction time.

[hurricane]

I think there are countless benefits to MA training. I find that I have better reflexes and that I am just fitter, both of which translates into becoming a better athlete period. But also, as other people stated previously, I have noticed that I am calmer and more focused at other things I do. Work, for one thing. Arguments (or road rages ) for another. I am more aware of things too. Surroundings, other people, myself.