Why Are Martial Arts So Addictive?

[still kicking]

I work in the mental health field, so know just enough about it to know that "addiction" has a specific meaning that may not apply here. I am not an addictions expert, though, and am using the term in the popular and general meaning of the word. Lately I have been thinking that martial arts seems uniquely compelling, to people who are in it, for some reason. It may be that that is not true. I know that other people become fanatical about running or tennis or many other types of activities. For myself, though, nothing has done it like martial arts, specifically karate.

In the years when I wasn't training I tried various other physical activities, but nothing really grabbed me. I joined an aerobics class, and it was OK, but not that thrilling. I tried running, several times, but frankly hated it. I never did get that runners' high -- it was just pain, dread, and boredom. Well, part of it is that I have figured out that I need the energy of the group to keep me going. But there was a group in aerobics class, and that wasn't enough, so it's more than that.

The nearest I can piece together, what it is for me is a combination of things. I love Japanese arts and aesthetics in general, the endorphins of working out make me feel good, I am motivated by wanting to be strong and able to defend myself, and I like the achievement aspects of working through the ranks. I was wondering what other people think about reasons for the "addictiveness" of martial arts -- and I'm sure that most people on here are probably addicts like me!

[WireFrame]

I think your final points are all true, but also I've found there's more group bonds formed in karate than, say aerobics groups. People train together, compare, compete, LEARN from each other and often socialise together. All these things I think are unique to martial arts groups. You gain a lot of insight into your own and other people's characters through martial arts and I think that strengthens the whole experience. It's not just about you anymore.

[Blade96]

I think your final points are all true, but also I've found there's more group bonds formed in karate than, say aerobics groups. People train together, compare, compete, LEARN from each other and often socialise together. All these things I think are unique to martial arts groups. You gain a lot of insight into your own and other people's characters through martial arts and I think that strengthens the whole experience. It's not just about you anymore.

all of this here i suppose.

But for me it was Shotokan itself that got me addicted. everything else is a bonus, of course its all part of Shotokan. all of it, really. I was hooked from the very first day i watched my first class, before I had even done my first lesson, i knew I had found what i was searching for. Even before I knew I could compete.

i cant really explain it myself though. why do people become addicted to really, anything? Probably that 'rush' in other words, a 'high'

[WireFrame]

I like learning and mastering something and improving and I became more and more aware of my own limitations and capabilities. That doesn't happen very often on a treadmill.

[still kicking]

Quoting WireFrame:

I became more and more aware of my own limitations and capabilities. That doesn't happen very often on a treadmill.

I think this provides a clue. I enjoy the challenge of working to make techniques and execution more and more precise, in interaction with teachers' feedback. Trying to match what they are asking and deliver it. Something like an aerobics class or team sport doesn't provide this.

However, as we are approaching the 2010 Winter Olympics -- I love the Winter Olympics! -- I am rethinking my contention that martial arts are uniquely addictive. I was reading an interview with the speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, where he was talking about training for the Olympics and his fascination for his sport. I'm sure all Olympic athletes are pretty obsessed with their respective sports, so maybe my theory is totally off base! Trying to think about what's the difference between skating, for example, and karate -- well, for one thing I'm no good at skating -- ha ha. You do work closely with a coach, at least at Olympic level. You don't get that group camaraderie, though. Who knows. There are probably other forums for skating addicts and tennis addicts and all kinds of things, and I'm just not reading them!

[Blade96]

Trying to think about what's the difference between skating, for example, and karate -- well, for one thing I'm no good at skating -- ha ha. You do work closely with a coach, at least at Olympic level. You don't get that group camaraderie, though. Who knows. There are probably other forums for skating addicts and tennis addicts and all kinds of things, and I'm just not reading them!

well being an ice skater and a shotokanka, I can vouch for the fact that skating - even taking skating lessons - it is much more individual thing than MA. For one thing you dont train together in lessons, you are split according to your level. (of course this happens in ma too, where a instructor might take a few rookie white belts aside to show them stuff.) But while some might form a bond with each other, there is not that 'family'atmosphere in skating. I had great coaches, who liked me a lot and cared about me, and maybe one or 2 people training with me who at least showed some signs of giving a darn, but except for one or 2 people, I had no friends there. Also in skating, you learn on your own. Not like MA, where you have a partner punch you for example so you can learn to block. Skating you must do on your own. You dont really get to know anyone or very few. whereas in MA we train together all the time.

[sensei8]

For me. The martial arts is so addictive because I'm still seeking for that one perfect technique as well as I've not learnt everything that there is in the martial arts, therefore, my journey continues! IF there's a cure for this type of addiction, well, I don't want it.

[Jeffrey]

I think most clubs become a family for us and provides a sense of belonging. We help one another get better and provide encouragement. After a while advancement becomes second to mastering ourselves.

[DWx]

I think most clubs become a family for us and provides a sense of belonging. We help one another get better and provide encouragement. After a while advancement becomes second to mastering ourselves.

Well said. The family & friendship atmosphere is one of the reasons I initially stuck with MA compared to the other sports I did as a kid.

[Fearun9033]

I agree!!! Martial arts can get you hooked. Well, speaking from a scientific point of view, an addiction is something that causes a strong dependence, causes physical withdrawal symptoms when the stimulus is removed and creates tolerance.

So yeah, I'm very dependent on getting my weekly 3 doses of training and if I don't, I get cranky and sad. I also feel like I could do more and MOOORE.

So there you have, clinical definition of addition right there haha

But on a more serious note, physical activity causes your brain to generate endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, all neurotransmitters that help enhance mood, create a sense of accomplishment and euphoria.

Dopamine plays a key role in reward pathway and is responsible for most addictions so it's not surprising one can get hooked on something like Martial Arts especially if you are really enjoying yourself!!!

I personally find that my trainings have SOOO many benefits it's scary. I get a good dose of exercise, I get to socialize with fellow karatekas, I get less depressed after a long day, I get more energy, I get more self-esteem, I learn to defend myself and those I love, I got to be mentally more mature, I learned about discipline *gasps for air* and the list goes on.