Learning self-defence is an excellent way to get in and stay in shape. However, the benefits don’t stop there. Learning self-defence or martial arts can boost confidence, and improve balance, awareness, and self-discipline. If you’re considering having your children learn martial arts or undergo it yourself, we have some benefits that could encourage you to go for it!

Types of Martial Arts

Karate and Kung Fu (China), Judo and Aikido (Japan), Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil), Muay Thai (Thailand), and Krav Maga (Israel) are typical types of martial arts. Some people also undergo mixed martial arts training (MMA), considered a hybrid combat sport for professionals.

Seven benefits of learning martial arts

Respect

Your martial arts training will help develop self-respect and respect for others. You are encouraged to respect your mentors, teachers, and those wearing a higher belt when learning martial arts. The training also promotes respect for one’s opponents. Respect can be used in professional and social settings to create positive relationships.

Full workout

Practicing martial arts can give you a full-body workout. Martial arts entails doing repetitive muscular actions. Over time, you can burn fat and increase strength, flexibility, and agility. Since most martial arts are high-intensity workouts, you will witness your body transforming with consistent training.

Reduce stress and anxiety

Meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing are part of martial arts training. You learn how to keep your mind focused while being alert and calm. Your training can boost endorphins and allow you to practice patience. While training, your attention is entirely on your work, so you worry less about problems.  

Confidence booster

Martial arts equip you with skills to defend yourself in threatening situations. You’ll notice your confidence growing as your training progresses. Martial arts training can instil accountability, improve social skills, and balance confidence and humility. The confidence you gain also builds perseverance in other areas of your life. For some, rigorous practice can increase awareness of accomplishing goals.  

Increase self-discipline

Your martial arts sessions will provide structure and direction that encourage you to focus on achieving your goals. In class, you will be in the company of goal-driven, disciplined, and self-motivated people. It will become easier to eliminate distractions while doing the work to succeed at tasks. The self-discipline you obtain from your training will be helpful in other areas of your life.

Improve heart health:

Martial arts training has some similarities to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), known for improving cardiovascular health. Your training could help lower cholesterol, improve heart health and regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.

Increase mental stamina

Regular martial arts training can improve physical, emotional, and mental resilience. Some martial arts training includes mindfulness, breathing exercises, and physical workouts to help regulate your emotions. Activities like martial arts produce a noticeable change in the brain that supports memory and learning skills.

You can use our Find Yello listings to search for gyms, martial arts centres, and related services. Type “martial arts” into the search bar to make the first step in your martial arts training journey today.

Sources: Level 3 Karate, WebMD, Psychology Today, and Way of Martial Arts.