Martial Arts Made Me A Better Driver

[The BB of C]

Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since I've posted, hasn't it?

Either way.

It caught me like a ton of bricks yesterday that I apply very tiny skills that I picked up during my six years of martial arts training (thus far) to seemingly mundane and every-day activities.

Driving, for example. I'm alert when I drive the same way that I am when performing group katas. At stops, when I look both ways, my eyes are wide and my head snaps quickly to the side. That also makes me feel like I'm doing a kata. I've also avoided quite a few accident scenarios that a lot of my friends have caught themselves in. I'd put that to the heightened reflexes.

Maybe it's just me being a good driver. But I notice a lot of similarities to the way I drive and the mindset I have when I'm in class or alone on a street. I catch myself doing a lot of stuff that could directly or indirectly relate back to my martial arts classes.

Does anyone else feel that they apply their martial arts to mundane tasks that would seem completely unrelated to most people? If so, explain and give an example.

[mr_obvious]

No, I can't say MA has helped *my* driving skills. I could see how it might improve the average driver though. Developing hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control of a related muscle group (such as hands and feet), can improve driving ability.

I've spent some time on racetracks in my day, both on four and two wheels. I'm not a professional by any stretch, but I do have experience with varying platforms and track formats. Such as auto-x (gymkhana), time-attack, HPDE, 1/4 mile, moto GP, and high speed flat out runs.

One key performance trait common to the two, is "look where you want to go, not where your at." Just like in kata, your head movement should precede any action (if only a split second ahead). Same goes for driving. Always, always, always look ahead and / or through the corner, where you want to be, not where you're at.

The two diverge in the sense that driving dynamics are maximized through subtlety and finesse; whereas MA is more about speed and power. Sharp stabs at the control pedals, and quick tugs at the wheel are bad.

[bushido_man96]

I guess there are some things I think about with as a Martial Artist. I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

[mr_obvious]

I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

I got the most peculiar visual while reading this. That of like some random worker lurking beside the copy machine with a clever in their hands.

[GeoGiant]

I'm not sure if MAs made me a better driver. Riding a motorcycle definitely made me a better driver.

[GeoGiant]

I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

I got the most peculiar visual while reading this. That of like some random worker lurking beside the copy machine with a clever in their hands.

Now thats funny!

[Tzu-Logic]

I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

I got the most peculiar visual while reading this. That of like some random worker lurking beside the copy machine with a clever in their hands.

Now thats funny!

not if the clever guy is coming at you!

[bushido_man96]

I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

I got the most peculiar visual while reading this. That of like some random worker lurking beside the copy machine with a clever in their hands.

Now thats funny!

not if the clever guy is coming at you!

Hey, you never know. But, if my post made you think about this, then you have already become more aware....

[Cable Dog]

I've highly noticed that I am quieter than normal, and particularly alert after classes, but in general, I feel that I have become more peace-loving and less aggressive because of Karate.

[Mistassailant5]

I wish I could say that martial arts has improved my driving skills, but hey, I can't drive yet, but I think martial arts has approved my focus.