7 Benefits of Practicing Martial Arts

Martial arts are practiced as combat and self defense sports, but they are a lot more than just kicking, punching, trapping and grappling. They do not only improve one’s physical strength, but they also help achieve harmony and balance between mind, body and spirit. Read below to discover different health benefits of practicing martial arts and learn why they are so much more than just combating.

1. Self Defense

Unfortunately, there are different types of violent criminals in our society that may sometimes try to harm us. Almost all martial arts training programs will provide you with excellent self defense techniques that can be very useful when you find yourself in threatening situations.

They will teach you how to control these moments and defend yourself cleverly, without becoming a victim.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Martial arts have an extremely positive effect on cardiovascular health. They improve heart rate, while increasing blood flow throughout the body. They are excellent for strengthening heart muscles and keeping blood vessels flexible and open.

A weak cardiovascular system can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness and lethargy, but martial arts can greatly contribute to its overall health and well-being.

3. Coordination, Balance and Improved Reflexes

Second Degree Black Belt Woman

Every type of martial art improves coordination, and balance and speeds up your reflexes.

Martial arts are based on specific movements that help you develop focus and concentration skills, as well as physical agility. They teach you how to move, shift your weight from one leg to another, transfer your energy throughout the body, and change directions quickly and easily.

In conclusion, martial arts help accelerate your reflexes and improve body and hand-eye coordination, while giving you an excellent sense of balance.

4. Flexibility

This is another great benefit of practicing martial arts. You will achieve great flexibility of muscles, joints and ligaments. This will improve your posture and enhance your ability to move through a full range of motion. It will also help you age in a healthier way and positively affect the overall quality of your life.

5. Discipline

Practicing martial arts builds body, mind and spirit discipline.

Self-discipline is an essential component of martial arts, for it helps you maintain control over yourself and your environment. It teaches you to handle emotions, stay calm, be persistent and helps you achieve the willpower to stay focused.

6. Mental Concentration and Positive Attitude

Boxing training blond woman sparring and sweating

One of the greatest benefits of practicing martial arts consists in improving your psychological well-being. Let’s see why.

  • Martial arts have amazing effects on mental concentration, focus and self control.
  • They improve working memory.
  • They build self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • They teach respect and responsibility.
  • They help control fear and aggression, and they bring emotional stability and inner strength.
  • They improve emotional and psychological health, by keeping stress levels under control. They relieve frustration, tension and nervousness.
  • They help your body release endorphins, making you feel happier and more satisfied. Hence, they greatly improve your mood.
  • Martial arts increase the overall energy and help develop positive attitude towards life.

7. Muscle Tone, Endurance and Improved Physical Fitness

Martial arts are also very effective workouts!

  • They improve muscle tone and help you build muscle mass. Hence, they help prevent obesity, while increasing agility and strength.
  • Practicing martial arts considerably increases endurance for physical and mental activity, boosts energy levels, and reduces fatigue.

In conclusion, martial arts improve your ability to overcome physical or mental strain and to keep going, while maintaining focus and attention.

About the author

Jessica

Jessica is a translator who has lived for many years in Asia and South America. She now lives and works in Europe, while preparing her new journeys. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, exploring different cultures and foods, and being in love.

2 Comments

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  • I totally agree with the benefits of Practicing Martial Arts! It’s empowering and a total self esteem booster. Even if it’s just a cardio kick boxing class by all means no need to become a fighter, unless you want to :)

  • my age is 26 yrs old i am practising this art for 2 yrs i improved a lot of confidenc & positive thinking as i was failed to do so. I also suggest to practice to my elders to have a self defence because in the society how the crimes and indiscipline things are occurs in front of our eyes day by day. Especially to girls & women they are unable to live freely in the society. We must respect them & have relation as friends & family relation because those who don’t respect female they r the worst criminals in the society. thank you.