As you consider taking up martial arts, it’s easy to see the physical benefits you could gain from training. The likelihood that, like with many sports, you could improve your fitness, mobility or even flexibility is a benefit you can see from the outset.
It isn’t until you dive deeper into the world of martial arts, that you can recognise just how many mental benefits there are.
1. Stress relief
Training in martial arts is an opportunity to channel your stress. At Excel, we say that as you step on the mats for training, it’s in that moment that you leave the worries of your day behind and focus on the task in hand.
You can use your frustration as a tool to drive your focus and strength into your combinations and sparring.
A 2019 study by Am J Mens Health, states that martial arts can be credited for reduced anxiety, self-control, decreased stress levels, and physical relaxation.
The opportunity to find a channel to de-stress through is highly beneficial for both adults and children.
2. Confidence boost
At Excel, a huge part of our tuition is focused on confidence. Our 3 secrets to confidence (they aren’t all that secret) include VOICE, BODY and MIND.
As you carry yourself within training and outside of training, you are given the tools and knowledge to speak with confidence, carry yourself with confidence and know you are confident.
Your self-belief makes you look at your body and ability different.
Through the continued practice of these skills, you really do become more confident. What once was you teaching yourself to become confidence becomes second nature.
3.Memory improvement
From our ministrike to adult programmes, we work on focus and memory. Focusing on singular moves and then incorporating these into combinations, means you’ll have to focus hard and remember them too.
The repetition of these moves means that, in time, they’ll be stored in your brain becoming muscle memory which helps you move faster and easier.
As there are many different areas of the brain that deal with memory, it is suggested that memory training (cognitive training), which can be done through martial arts, is good for your overall brain health.
The Alzhemier’s society has highlighted that “The results from several observational studies have indicated that people who do cognitively stimulating activities may have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia”.
4.Socialisation / community
Community is a huge part of training with us at Excel. Our range of members along with our coaches have become one big family.
And surrounding yourself with a community is so important in navigating mental health challenges like depression.
On top of this, a community situation helps encourage people to work on their social skills. We have seen how our academy has helped younger students learn how to communicate with people in class but also at school, home and in other hobbies.
We have also seen previously introverted adults build lifelong friendships through sparring partners and meeting like-minded individuals which has helped them establish increased confidence and improved emotional wellbeing.
5.Decreased aggression
Despite the fact that martial arts is a contact sport, a 2016 study in children aged six to 18 showed that martial arts reduced violent behaviour including but not limited to behaviours associated with criminal activity.
The reduction in aggression could likely be accredited to the practice of life skills such as confidence, concentration, mindfulness, compassion, and focus (all which are taught in Excel tuition).
The practice of these skills in young people can be seen to create a more well-rounded individual who has respect for themselves and others and is less likely to be led astray.
Not only this, but martial arts is a great way to channel anger and frustration in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Fancy giving a class a go to get started on experiencing these amazing benefits? Contact us today.