A martial art is not only about self-defense or physical fitness. It is a way of life that positively affects your daily routines and influences many aspects of your life. From discipline to mental clarity, the benefits extend far beyond the practice space. Here’s a glimpse into how daily life is enriched by practicing martial arts.
Discipline
Martial arts instill discipline. This happens when you follow a training schedule or master intricate techniques. You learn the value of consistency and self-control through these actions. This discipline seeps into your life and actions in the form of punctuality, diligence, or perseverance.
With self-discipline, you can better achieve your goals because you have a plan. You create a successful outcome in your mind. Then, you take the steps to get there, one by one. I always had a goal to be a writer. Martial arts gave me a sense of perseverance that allowed me to push forward with that goal. I knew that by using a step-by-step approach and sticking with it, that this goal was possible, just like earning a black belt.
Mental Resilience
Martial arts improve mental resilience. The challenges that occur in the dojo teach you how to overcome adversity, how to stay calm under pressure and how to think strategically. These mental strengths affect everyday situations where you need to tackle challenges with composure and clarity.
I struggled with failed or troubled pregnancies several times, but martial art training gave me a mindset that was strong and resilient. I decided that I wouldn’t give up because I knew what was right for me. Even when I was told one of my pregnancies was going to fail, I kept mentally resilient, did everything I could to save the baby, and my resilience paid off. I had a healthy “miracle” baby.
Physical Health
Your physical health from training also significantly impacts your life. Regular training improves cardiovascular health, enhances flexibility, and boosts overall strength. You experience increased energy levels and vitality that allow you to approach daily tasks with enthusiasm and positivity.
I find this true because at 61 years old, I still work out and I feel good. I have few aches or pains, if any at all. I don’t take prescriptions and I am still flexible. None of this would be possible without my martial art training.
Mindfulness and Focus
Martial arts promote mindfulness and focus. The meditative aspects of practices like tai chi and qigong encourage present-moment awareness, reducing stress and anxiety. This type of concentration allows you to become more productive and efficient in your other endeavors.
I love Tai Chi precisely for this reason as mindfulness tends to be missing from many of our lives and taking time for mindfulness is often overlooked. You think other tasks and actions are more important when in fact, you can do more tasks and actions if you take time to slow down in between to breathe, focus, or meditate, even for a short while.
Community and Camaraderie
Martial arts nurture a sense of community and camaraderie. Training with peers forms mutual respect and support that creates lasting bonds. This sense of belonging enriches daily life and provides a network of encouragement and shared experiences.
I don’t train in a school now, but I recall my early years of training. When I walked into the practice space, it was not the practice of martial arts that I embraced first, but rather the people who continually encouraged me through my goals, triumphs and failures and who always reminded me to do my best.
Essential Life Skills
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, martial arts cultivate essential life skills like respect, humility, and perseverance. These virtues guide you in your interactions with others, help shape your character, and enhance the quality of your relationships, all of which contributes to personal growth.
As a leader at work, I count on these essential life skills to bring a team of people to success. I am the authentic me, and along with that I bring a repertoire of skills that I learned from teaching martial arts, like leadership, relationship building, teamwork and empathy.
Benefits that Improve Life
It is easy to see all the benefits of martial arts as they relate to life. Martial arts are a holistic pursuit that elevate every facet of daily life. Through discipline, resilience, and mindfulness, you can navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose using the principles of martial arts both on and off the mat.
xoxo
Andrea
________________________________________________________________
Awesome article.So proud to see the true values of the Arts but in its proper text.tHE arts ARE A LIFE LONG JOURNEY OF SELF PERFECTION THE KEY IS TO KEEP STRIVING AND NEVER GIVE UP.bOTH BODY MIND AND hUMANITY WILL GREATLY BENEFIT FORM YOUR JOURNEY.lEAVE THE aRT BETTER THEN WHEN YOU FOUND IT EXCUSE THE CAPS.REGARDS SUTTONSENSEI
Thank you for your continued support Derrick!
Thanks for your continued remarks regarding martial arts.
What I also value a lot in martial arts, is what you could call the ” mirror ” effect.
Every time you stand in front of an other person training sparring fighting, defending, you/we all are measuring up the other person in many ways, which is a great help during daily life.
Measuring once own strength and weaknesses but not confined to that. Also seeing the other persons posture face, breathing etc etc, it can teach you a lot. Finding your own strength is always an easier path by meting lots of opponents and obstacles, I want to argue.
Best regards Ewoud Voor in ‘t holt
Hello and thank you! What a profound thought! Thank you for sharing.