Martial art refers to the training in any of the combative or defensive sports such as TaeKwondo, Karate, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu, among others. Most of these sports originated from Japan, China, and other East Asian countries. However, there has been a widespread rise in the learning of martial arts across the globe. Mainly because more people realise that these sports have many physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. In addition to learning martial arts, some enthusiasts have come up with their own styles, several which have also gained global fame.
So, if you’re interested in learning martial arts, be sure that you won’t run out of options. And, yes, many benefits come with it.
Below are some of these benefits.
1 It teaches self-defense skills
With the uptick in violence in the world, it’s necessary for everyone to be prepared to protect themselves physically from any unforeseen attacks. Since martial art skills are combative, they put you in a good position to defend yourself against the adversary. Not only do you learn techniques to fight back but also develop the stamina to withstand the physical strain.
2 Health benefits
Martial art involves physical workout entirely. It builds your strength, stamina, flexibility, and self-coordination. Your breathing, as well as blood flow to every part of the body, is enhanced. During training, the body burns excess calories and fats, enabling you to eliminate the risk of obesity and all its effects.
3 Character improvement
As a part of perfecting your martial art skills, you learn about discipline, respect, humility, and cooperation. These are instilled through interactive teamwork with other martial artists while focusing on keeping an open mind to correction. You also get acquainted with people and make friends thus expanding your social circles.
4 Improves focus and awareness
You are trained to be aware of your actions, those around you, and the environment. You also learn to focus on a specific task while improving your listening and reaction skills. The attention span is enhanced through continuous training. Your ability to put what you’ve learned into action during drills is thus improved.
5 Confidence
Learning and mastering martial art skills enhances your self-esteem. The ability to handle yourself physically helps you to be prepared, self-assured and calm. These traits improve your confidence since you become aware that you can endure and are capable of defending yourself.
6 Good decision making and self-control
By studying martial arts, you learn to give yourself to accomplish a particular task or adopt a specific pattern of behaviour even though you would rather do something else. This is called self-control, and the choice to do so is a right decision making skill.
7 Mental Development
Learning martial arts requires you to memorise and retain specific techniques and postures. Continuous practice and application of the same during drills and in real life enhances the capability of your brain to remember. This improved memory and retention are beneficial in other spheres of life, such as education and jobs. The desire to earn belts and awards enables you to be resilient and committed to achieving your goals in real life too.
8 Positive Stress reduction
Martial arts avails an avenue to reduce stress positively. Your energy is directed in a natural way that is beneficial to you. Martial art has been used as an alternative to enable youths in many communities to avert the problems of drug abuse and addictions.
Aware of the martial arts benefits as outlined above, it’s high time you gave it a shot. You don’t have to take it as a full-time profession, but you can enjoy it as your part-time engagement just like you’d typically go to the gym after a day’s work.
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