If you are addicted to a substance or a lifestyle you want to rid yourself of, martial arts could be the answer. At one point on our life, we all have had to battle an addiction. Maybe it was something small and harmless like video games or nail biting, or it could be something more severe like drugs or alcohol.
When making that step to quit your vice, one can often be left bored and lost which only increases the chance of relapse. To prevent this from happening, doctors and friends alike will often suggest finding a productive activities to enhance your mind and keep you distracted from your addiction. In the world of martial arts, using it as a therapy can be invaluable. It is not about provoking anger against yourself and others, but it teaches you to learn about yourself and how to defend yourself against others, and most importantly, against yourself.
Group therapy is not for everyone, and although they constantly show positive results, some people just can’t hack it. With martial arts, it’s a lot more introverted. You avoid talking about your problem with dozens of people, but rather focus in on yourself as you self-medicate.
Self-discipline is key when breaking an addiction. To avoid relapse, you must be strong minded and determined. Luckily, martial arts teaches both of these things as standard. Whether it is Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu or Muay Thai – self-discipline is a central tenant. To do well in martial arts, you need to be strong minded and these skills help you succeed in all aspects of life, including addiction and recovery.
Martial Arts also helps relieve boredom and improves health – two things that many clinical studies show really help with overcoming addictions, especially addictions to drugs. Martial arts also helps improve confidence, develop mindfulness and opens avenues to meeting a range of positive people – some of whom probably have their own addiction stories to tell too.
Perhaps the most famous celebrity to have trained in martial arts to overcome an addiction is Robert Downey Jr. He trained in Wing Chun up to six times a week with his trainer Eric Oram who recounts Robert Downey Jr.’s battle with substance addiction and the role martial arts had in his recovery. Martial arts helped Robert Downey Jr. to rewire his body and mind and overcome his addictions. In an interview, he once was quoted saying “I can’t tell you how much martial arts has impacted my ability to stay focused. I’m coming from a place of total strength and humility now.”
Wing Chun is one of the best martial arts to turn to in dealing with addictions according to many artists and experts. Wing Chun emphasizes aggressive tactics and realistic training. It prepares its trainees in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, fighting and combat skills, as well as skills to defend others. A practical and scientific system, Wing Chun teaches how to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks.
Other celebrities who have used martial arts to overcome an addiction include Ed O’Neill, Forest Whitaker, Guy Ritchie, Courtney Cox and Jennifer Anniston.
If you are suffering with an addiction and wish to seek martial arts therapy check out www.simplerecovery.com or contact your local hospital, GP or therapist to help find martial arts therapy in your area.
