If we were only allowed to emphasize one thing about studying Martial Arts, it would be the feeling of Confidence it gives you that crosses over into every aspect of your life. The sense of standing strong, knowing you have worked hard even when you didn’t have the motivation, and now you get to reap the rewards. Just some of the benefits you will gain include:
- Confidence you can defend yourself against an attacker.
The world is a very different place when you don’t have to worry as much about going home late on your own, or if a bar fight breaks out, or if someone is just trying to pick a fight with you for no apparent reason. Just knowing you can take control of such a situation makes you see the world through a very different set of eyes.
- You can rise to a challenge.
To get to a high level in any martial art isn’t easy. It takes a lot of dedication, sweat, sore muscles, busted lips and early mornings. Quite simply, a lot of people just aren’t cut out for it. The fact that you stuck to it says a lot about you and will instill a sense that if you are faced with another challenge, you will feel more confident that you will overcome it, which is half the battle.
- You’ll have positive body image.
Being comfortable in your own skin can have so many positive knock-on effects; People will be more drawn to you, you will make healthier lifestyle choices and you will also be great motivation for those around you to up their game, which in turn will make them happier.
Did we mention that you will also probably have a much better love life?
- You learn to perform under pressure.
Learning Martial arts and competing go hand in hand, as its part of the learning process. Naturally with competing comes pressure. The more you compete the better you get at handling the pressure involved and the more accepting you are of the fact that sometimes things will go your way and sometimes you’ll end up on your ass. This idea of acceptance can be powerful when brought into other aspects of your life. A lot of people never attempt their goals out of fear of failure. If this obstacle doesn’t exist, then there is nothing else holding you back. Risk takers will always have a more enjoyable and fulfilling life than those who play it safe and stay well inside their comfort zone.
- You learn Social Confidence.
While this one may not apply to everyone, there are some who find social interactions a burden and avoid them at all costs. The very nature of Martial Arts means that you automatically are part of a club. You belong, and this can take a lot of the pressure off if you are only surrounded by like-minded people because you don’t have to desperately search for something to talk about. As you become more and more comfortable in this setting, you are one step closer to being able to apply it at any social event.
What are your own experiences? Have you found any unexpected benefits you’d like to share with us?
