Do you find yourself year after year writing an extensive list of resolutions that you’ll never be able to stick to? This year, improve your wellbeing and accomplish those goals by by thinking outside of the box and signing up for a martial arts class! Although this may seem like an unconventional way to achieve your fitness resolutions, martial arts is a great way to improve your wellbeing on multiple levels, including increasing self-confidence, gaining self-defense skills, increasing focus, and having higher physical fitness.
Self-Confidence
If you are attending your first martial arts class or pushing yourself to train harder this year, then you are already on your journey to building a better, stronger, more confident you. It takes courage to enter a dojo and interact with instructors and students who are on a similar path as you, just as it takes that same confidence to spar, train and compete with them. Through your training you will condition yourself to take on new challenges and face your fears while inside the dojo, lessons that will be used outside the dojo in your everyday life as well.
Self-Defense
Having confidence in your safety and wellbeing is an invaluable trait to carry with you. Learning tactics to defend yourself if you’re ever in a bad position can instill a peace of mind you never had before. Chances are most attackers do not hold any formal training and will therefore be unprepared for the strikes and kicks you’ll be able to throw at them. Surprise yourself with the power that is within you, the power that a martial arts class will reveal.
Focus
Accuracy training is a big part of martial arts classes. Not only will you learn about distance, balance, and forms, but you will also be learning how to strike places that will count in a sparring match all while avoiding sensitive areas. Through this intensive focus and precision you will begin to feel a deeper connection to the movements of your body. This focus training will also benefit your wellbeing outside of the class, as you will find yourself feeling more centered and intune with your body and mind. Your concentration will improve as well as your posture and balance.
Physical Fitness
Improved posture and balance are just some of the physical benefits you will start noticing after you begin taking martial arts classes. Many have lost weight through their training, even if it wasn’t the main goal of theirs, all while having fun and learning some new skills. Martial arts classes are a lot more exciting than mundane visits to the gym, and can provide a sense of community to those who are looking for it. You’ll be interacting with others, throwing punches, learning forms, and doing all sorts of different movements and tricks. You will soon find that you will want to stick to your training because of how much fun you’re having!