With MMA continuing to rise in popularity, many young people are thinking about getting somewhere into the martial arts scene. Seeing the heart of the fighters and hearing the cheers as they exchange blows and takedowns, it appeases our most primal instincts. Some want to do it for the show, the cheers, the attention. Others want to do it as a sport. Others might just want to do it to hurt people legally. The answers differ from person to another, but few notice the benefits that come with martial arts training. It isn't just about violence; it's actually quite the opposite. Martial arts are designed to provide a solid base and a better individual, with the competitions and combat second. Knowing this, let us look at three overlooked benefits of martial arts practice, summarized from my research paper "The Impact of Martial Arts on Every Day Life."
1) Improved Physical Fitness
Sure, this one seems to be a no-brainer. But not many understand what physical fitness really means. It isn't just about strength, it also includes flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, speed and power. Standalone, martial arts can improve every area of your fitness, with various arts focusing more on various principals. You want increased speed and agression? Take Judo. Looking for better cardio and power? Try kickboxing. There's an art out there for each person with their own individual goals. Just ask my brother Josh. He did wrestling to increase his muscular growth and power, and did so. Or my Muay Thai trainer James; he wanted better striking and defense, as well as better cardio for his bounty hunting job, and got just that. If you don't like the first one you try, or you struggle with even the basics of the art, don't worry; no one hits gold on their first day after all. Seeing as how most gyms and dojos give one or two free lessons, give some a shot, and find what works for you.
2) Improved Self Discipline
When trying to advance in martial arts, you are expected to learn more and more movements, and become better at each movement each time. This takes self discipline, and a lot of it. While you improve your moves in the gym or dojo, you improve your self discipline, and will see carryover effects in other arts and your day to day life. Dave Camarillo, founder of Guerilla Jiu-jitsu, started by getting a black belt in Judo, then followed with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and created a whole new art with the discipline he picked up in his respective arts. In addition, better grades have shown secondary effects in self discipline: Josh improved his grades as well as his wrestling performance when he started increasing his self discipline. You want better self discipline, martial arts is where it's at.
3) Better Success in Breaking Bad Habits
Whether your bad habits are crime, laziness, drug addiction, or anger issues, martial arts can help you along the way. With the positive influence and advancement you see in the gym or dojo, and your self motivation rising, you start to see things clearer. When you attempt to alter these bad habits, you can reflect on the determination and dedication it took to get you where you are, and you can see that you CAN achieve what you want. With self discipline and regular practice of the martial arts, the bad habits will be a thing of the past in no time. Faith Fighting, an MMA team from Mt. Pleasant, MI, is a leading example for this cause. A former addict, Danny, took this style of personal rehab to heart, and changed his life. With the new focus he achieved, he has not had one relapse on almost a year. Anybody can do it, so why not you?
This is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Martial arts changed these peoples' lives, and will change many more to come. If you think it's time for a change, start by talking to your local martial art schools. Remember, it's not about the violence, it's about a better you!
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