Benefits of Martial Arts Classes for Mind and Body

Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training. Though studied for various reasons, broadly speaking, they share a single objective: to defend oneself from physical or mental threat. Traditionally speaking Martial Arts is common within the countries of the Four Asian Tigers. Methods of training vary and may include sparring or forms (kata), which are sets or routines of techniques that are performed alone, or sometimes with a partner.

I am rampant, widespread, pervasive and the effects of me are catastrophic.

What am I ?

You may believe that I am a virus of some sort, for example Ebola or the Marburg virus. However, that is not the case. I am the epidemic of bullying.

Martial arts can improve the issue of bullying because the sport teaches respect and sportsmanship. Bullying occurs when an individual fail to realize how their actions can affect others. One of the most important lessons martial arts teaches is how our actions, physical, verbal, or otherwise, have a great impact on other people. Also, many children today who have experienced bullying oftentimes don’t realize that they are either being a bully or getting bullied. Through constant self-reflection and persistent self-improvement, children are able to take a step back and look deep within themselves. Furthermore, Martial arts allows us to achieve a heightened sense of self-awareness. It brings us up with confidence, and then humbles us by pushing us to embrace our shortcomings, determine how to improve ourselves, and emerge as better human beings.

Studies have shown a connection between practising martial arts and increased self-esteem. Through these activities, students can learn from their peers, develop discipline, and cultivate respect for different cultures. Martial arts strengthen muscles and endurance, while improving flexibility, balance, agility and coordination. Therefore, with better mental and physical health, students will lead a happier, well-rounded life.

People with perseverance and discipline are more likely able to accomplish long term goals in the face of adversity. Martial Arts takes practice and dedication encountering many challenges along the way to developing new skill sets and advancing in belt ranks. Martial artists learn to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles; crucial in minimizing unhealthy dis-stress. As the founder of Aikido said, “Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”

Another aspect widely overlooked by the secondary school curriculum as it has not been acted upon, is the umbrella term of sexual violence.This disproportionately affects women and girls and is mostly perpetrated by men and boys. Approximately 15 million adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) worldwide have experienced unwanted acts of this type of violence. Therefore I believe that self – defence within martial arts is key to allowing young women to develop more confidence in themselves and permits them to know that they can defend themselves gives them more comfort.

Success takes work; physical work, mental work, preparedness, and often spiritual work. Martial arts training forms the foundational base for establishing a healthy work ethic. You could go online and buy a black belt but the initial satisfaction of seeing it hanging on your wall would quickly fade when the realization sets in that this was not earned. I attribute the work ethic I have learnt through martial arts to all aspects of my life. As Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

Leaders set direction, create visions, inspire and motivate others, forge teams. Leadership involves valuing and respecting others and knowing their strengths, looking at obstacles as opportunities and taking responsibility for their decisions. Martial arts encourage a leadership frame of mind as I have learnt from the past 10 years of my experience. After 4 years of teaching children of a wide range of ages another aspect I have derived from this sport is patience. Recently working with a young boy suffering from ADHD it has taught me to be more patient with younger children and to alter the pace and time spent on perfecting different areas of martial arts.

Since the year I joined, 2009, I have been taught the following 6 steps of self-defence:

Control your emotions – breathing rituals, not use unnecessary violence

To communicate – body language, eye contact, facial expressions

To call for support – confide in people you trust

Use your legs – walk away from dangerous situations

Defend yourself – keep yourself safe

Report immediately – tell any trusted adult about a situation you are in / have witness

However, many people would disagree with my perspective due to the following reasons:

Some are concerned that martial arts classes might be dangerous. Martial arts is the art of hitting people, isn’t it? However, the truth is, when taught properly martial arts classes can be safe and uplifting. In a controlled environment, martial arts is educational and no more dangerous than football, basketball or any other contact sport.

Many also argue that martial arts could lead students to be more violent. Some view martial arts classes as a way to teach students techniques in violence; however, this is not the case. One of the fundamental teachings in martial arts is humility and self-control. As demonstrated previously, you are taught within the six fundamental steps of self-defence on how to handle situations that have the potential of violent acts. For example, the 4th step tells us to “use your legs” this means we should walk away from dangerous situations or avoid them. And instead with the 6th step you “report it immediately.” Therefore, if anything martial arts will decrease the chances of violent outbreaks in children.

Martial arts are not for everybody - one has to have a certain level of focus, drive and patience. These qualities are not universal. By making martial art a compulsory sport, many students who are unsuited to its demands may find themselves distracted or under pressure. This is a weak argument because within the first few years of physical education we find ourselves doing dance or gymnastics or football and these sports are compulsory however we still have to participate in them and learn all of them to the same level therefore martial arts should be compulsory.