Caffeine King Posted December 1, 2002 Posted December 1, 2002 Hi there! First things first - I'm not used to message forums so I hope I've put this post in the right place. (If I haven't, sorry folks!) Ok. Now, I've read some posts in the other forums and all this talk leads me to ask whether martial arts do help with confidence in the way people think. Is it really true? OR is it that people who don't advance far enough to gain the supposed benefits were never tough enough in the first place? Is anything gained at all - and if so, what? An interesting question, I think. I'm sure that most people here have an answer but has it ever really been tested scientifically? I have a favour to ask anyone with a little time on their hands. If you study martial arts (doesn't matter what) and if you're either an expert - let's say black belt or equivalent - or a TOTAL beginner - have only been to training sessions a few times - would you be willing to fill in a questionnaire?? If so, please get in touch. I'm willing to discuss anything about this and answer any questions anyone might have. I'll share all my results with this site too! Hoping to hear from anyone out there... Caffeine King. The best thing about being an adult is that you can run with scissors(!)
KickChick Posted December 1, 2002 Posted December 1, 2002 I've read some posts in the other forums and all this talk leads me to ask whether martial arts do help with confidence in the way people think. Is it really true? OR is it that people who don't advance far enough to gain the supposed benefits were never tough enough in the first place? Is anything gained at all - and if so, what? An interesting question, I think. I'm sure that most people here have an answer but has it ever really been tested scientifically? Yes, an interesting question. The majority of those who enter the martial arts do so for a variety of reasons but psychologically, training in the martial arts reduces tension and anxiety.We learn to control our aggression and vent our hostility and frustration in a more beneficial manner. I believe the martial arts is a psychological leveler. Those with quick tempers learn control while those who are timid and shy learn to be more assertive when needed. Some do not make it through their training. I'm sure many schools have their share of "drop-outs" for whatever reason .... they just couldn't hang in there! It's alot of dedication ...physically & mentally. You learn that self-discipline means doing things correctly and not looking for the easy way out. I don't think it needs to be scientifically proven but it is a given that physical development also helps develop self-confidence.
G95champ Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 Well part of becomming a true Martial Artist is seeing the game through. With that said I don't think it ever ends. Most of us are Martial Artist for life. When you make that decision then the confidence thing steps in. If you only plan on taking a class for a few months or to reach a certin belt then you never buy into what MA is selling. A key to winning at anything is thinking you can win. That why so many of us get upset when people bash our style. Because part of our training calls for us to sell out and believe in this or that techinque. Thats not simple for some people to do. For those who only make it to a certin color belt they never sold out to MA. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my training is some fashion. Those who stop their training never think of it again unless someone brings it up. Simply put Martial Arts is a way of life. If you can sell out and make it a part of your life then reguarless what belt you have you will gain confience. IF MA never crosses your mind outside the dojo then you will always question yourself and your art. If you can go through the 3 or 4 years (IT SHOUD TAKE YOU) to get a black belt then you gain a lot of confidence. But if things are given to you and you don't have to sweat, and bleed for them then you gain a false confiedence that will leave you when you need it the most. (General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory."
Freestyler Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 I'm willing to fill out a questionnare. May I ask what it's for ?
Caffeine King Posted December 2, 2002 Author Posted December 2, 2002 (edited) Well, looking at things from a psychological point of view, "Mental Toughness" is a hard subject to pin down. I mean, just what is it?? One thing is for certain, we can link lack of "the right stuff" with anxiety and depression. We learn to control our aggression and vent our hostility and frustration in a more beneficial manner. Those with quick tempers learn control while those who are timid and shy learn to be more assertive when needed. Now these issues are more self-esteem based. Unlike mental toughness these things, these things are recognised in psychology as being able to change over time so it seems perfectly reasonable that that martial arts - or any worthwhile hobby/pastime - can have a beneficial effect. I don't think it needs to be scientifically proven but it is a given that physical development also helps develop self-confidence. I'll certainly give you that but you're then left with people convinced of their ability to the point where defeat/failure brings their world down around them. These people are confident to the point of arrogance but are rarely mentally disciplined. I'm sure we all know people like this. Mental Toughness is a mix of a lot of things (current theory says six!) I'm I'm left wondering whether the discipline of martial arts helps with them all. However, I'm very impressed with your attitude Champ (and you too Kickchick). As long as people like you are out there, martial arts will have a lot to offer people. As for your question Freestyler, my Mental Toughness Questionnaire measure six categories: Control of Emotions, Control of own life, Confidence in Abilities, Interpersonal Confidence, Commitment and Challenge. Certainly, the belief is out there that martial arts can do a lot for all these but is it really true? Clearly the respondents so far are convinced, but dare I say it, embracing martial arts as a way of life means that you must view them as a positive force so the benefits will always seem clear. However, I've approached mental toughness from a health perspective. My Thesis is looking at long-term stressors: chronic pain, headaches, panic disorder, tinnitus etc... and it can often be the fighting back of negative forces that grant the most improvement in terms of mental strength. Simply, you cope because you have to. From my own view, it would be interesting to compare two such disperate groups as martial artists and long term sufferers of various conditions. Edited December 3, 2002 by Caffeine King The best thing about being an adult is that you can run with scissors(!)
ZR440 Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 I believe martial arts should develop patience,discipline, and humility above all. Physical limitations can prevent some goals and achievements, but knowing how to accept what you can't do plays an important part of developing mental toughness, in my opinion. I accept the fact that my knee is on it's last leg (get it? ahahahha) and just try to work around the pain the best I can. We're not any more special or different than rock climbers, hockey players, white water rafters, or whatever in that we train as best we can with determination and repetition. It's happy hour somewhere in the world.
KickChick Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 I'll certainly give you that but you're then left with people convinced of their ability to the point where defeat/failure brings their world down around them. These people are confident to the point of arrogance but are rarely mentally disciplined. I'm sure we all know people like this. ....I'm left wondering whether the discipline of martial arts helps with them all. Like I mentioned on another thread.... martial artists are human... and sometimes we forget that fact. We are affected maybe moreso by defeat because we are conditioned to rise above such obstacles. With the quote I referenced above.... you struck a nerve personally for me. I am still dealing with the emotional upset of having my purse snatched, not being able to catch the assailant, and not having the chance to apply my skills (so-to-speak) .... Now this didn't bring my world crashing down around me but I was somewhat dismayed that this could happen to me... how???? .....but I am far from arrogant and very mentally disciplined. Just human I suppose .
ZR440 Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 However, I've approached mental toughness from a health perspective. My Thesis is looking at long-term stressors: chronic pain, headaches, panic disorder, tinnitus etc... and it can often be the fighting back of negative forces that grant the most improvement in terms of mental strength. Simply, you cope because you have to. From my own view, it would be interesting to compare two such disperate groups as martial artists and long term sufferers of various conditions. The ability to ignore pain is nothing new to athletes. Maybe you should change your study to the long term effects of the abovementioned stressors inflicted upon employees by the crabbyass boss. It's happy hour somewhere in the world.
Red J Posted December 2, 2002 Posted December 2, 2002 Caf King, your comparison is interesting. The only point that I can add is that martial artists have a choice while many pain sufferers do not. It may be worthwhile investigating martial artists that suffer from these ailments versus martial artists that are injury/ailment free. Just a thought. To support your noble pursuit of higher education, I would be happy to participate in your study. Good luck. I had to lose my mind to come to my senses.
ramymensa Posted December 3, 2002 Posted December 3, 2002 Well. King of the Caffeine ... I'm here too Ready to help in that study. I find the subject quite interesting and I hope I'll be of some help World Shotokan Karate
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