Looking for a new hobby? Learn a Martial Art
Improve your self confidence and conflict
Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless fitness trends emerge and fade away, from Zumba to cross-fit to machine pilates. Even Tae Kwon Do and some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) institutions have had their moments. But amidst the ever-changing landscape of fitness, one activity continues to captivate my interest: martial arts.
When we think of martial arts, our minds often conjure images of awe-inspiring stunts performed by Jackie Chan or the disciplined mastery exhibited by Jet Li. Some may even envision the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. While these portrayals highlight specific martial arts styles, they merely scratch the surface of the true essence of martial arts.
We’ve seen Keanu Reeves master Kung Fu in “The Matrix” to dodge bullets and strike with lightning speed, and witnessed his proficiency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in “John Wick” as he skillfully grappled opponents to their demise. While these movies feature specific martial arts styles, the true essence of martial arts runs deeper.
So, what exactly is a martial art?
At its core, a martial art is a technical system that not only imparts self-defense techniques but also embraces cultural traditions and encompasses philosophical aspects. It goes beyond what we witness on the big screen or in combat sports. Similar to any art form, martial arts encompass a diverse range of practitioners and styles.
But what can martial arts offer us beyond the thrill of looking cool or impressing our friends? Let’s delve into some of the most rewarding aspects of learning and practicing martial arts.
Self Defense
Self-defense is perhaps the most obvious benefit of martial arts training. In a physical assault situation, possessing even the most basic self-defense knowledge can provide a crucial advantage and potentially save lives.
Most martial arts fall into the categories of striking, throwing, grappling, and/or joint locks, equipping practitioners with a repertoire of techniques applicable to real-life scenarios.
Regular practice instills muscle memory, enabling individuals to instinctively draw from their arsenal of techniques when faced with an attack. Even less practical martial arts can still teach us to have a keener eye to spot trouble and react accordingly.
Conflict Resolution Skills
The benefits extend beyond physical altercations. Martial arts also enhance our conflict resolution skills, allowing us to navigate verbal disputes with greater wisdom and composure. Just as there are different responses to physical attacks, there are various ways to address conflicts in daily life.
In their book “Aikido in Everyday Life”, Terry Dobson and Victor Miller noted that like stress responses, there are generally a few different responses to any attack:
- Fighting back
Engaging in argument, hoping to convince the other party to back down - Withdrawing
Leaving the conflict unresolved and the resolution to the aggressor - Parley
Engaging in a discussion to address the problem at hand - Do nothing
Which can be a solution in itself, especially in time-sensitive situations - Deception
Employing a deceptive strategy by appearing to respond in one way while having an ulterior motive - Aiki
Seeking to harmonize with the other person, understand their perspective, show compassion, and find compromises
Engaging in martial arts cultivates skills that transcend the physical realm, equipping practitioners with the ability to harmonize, empathize, and seek compromises, not only in combat but also in discussions and disagreements.
“I can defeat you physically with or without a reason. But I can only defeat your mind with a reason. — Jim Lau”
Health Benefits
Engaging in martial arts as a hobby promotes overall health and well-being.
Physical Health
Regardless of the specific martial art you choose to pursue, they each will help you in
- Improving flexibility
- Building muscle
- Increasing cardio and general fitness levels
- Relieving stress
Moreover, practicing a martial art deepens your understanding of kinesiology. Techniques within martial arts demand a heightened awareness of your body’s position in relation to others and how each part of your body influences the others. When practicing with a partner, this awareness becomes even more pronounced as you discover the interconnectedness of the human body.
Mental Health
If you struggle with staying present or connected with your own body, certain martial arts may be ideal for you.
Many Japanese martial arts, for example, incorporate meditative practices before and after training sessions, along with techniques designed to cultivate a heightened awareness of your body. The repetitive nature of forms can build muscle memory that can serve as a refuge during moments of anxiety outside the training environment. For instance, I often find solace practicing kata with my jo staff in the park when feeling particularly anxious.
Some martial arts also involve auxiliary ritualistic practices, such as bringing flowers and lighting incense at the head of the place of practice, folding a uniform a specific way at the end of class, or sweeping up and mopping the floor together with your peers. Rituals create stability and reduce anxiety in our lives, so learning and practicing a few for your art can be extremely beneficial.
Discipline
The discipline, dedication, and perseverance instilled by martial arts is invaluable. You have to!
- Keep a schedule and train consistently to retain muscle memory and understanding.
- Be fully present when training; it’s dangerous if you don’t! You will incur more injuries without proper concentration and a sense of being present.
- Be patient. You have to seek to strike at the best time; you can’t always be impulsive. Plus, belt progression can take a long time as you can’t progress unless the instructor deems you as ready.
- Always keep the student mentality, even when you’re the teacher. Getting a black belt in a martial art simply means you’ve demonstrated your dedication to the art, not that you know everything about it.
In addition to all of that, for children, martial arts not only provide physical benefits but also fosters a respect for authority, better attention skills, and punctuality, all of which contribute to their overall development and success in various aspects of life, including the classroom.
Self Confidence
By improving our physical abilities and enhancing our self-assuredness, martial arts empower us to navigate through life with greater confidence.
Like other athletic pursuits, martial arts helps us to develop a healthy self image through both the act of exercising, which releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine, as well as the results of exercising, such as being physically stronger both in appearance and use.
It also teaches us other lessons and traits that we can take into the rest of our life that helps boost our self confidence:
- Embracing failure as temporary and a catalyst for growth. You may have lost that sparring match or may not be able to do the technique today, but with more determination and training, you will do better tomorrow.
- Actively express respect and appreciation to the art, your instructor, your fellow students, the space, and yourself.
- Find the perfect blend of technique and art. Martial arts are just that, martial arts. After you’ve done one for awhile, it’s amazing to start seeing how people perform the same technique differently, or take different approaches for similar effects. It’s an amazing feeling to get to a high enough level yourself where you can start expressing yourself through it as well.
Community
Beyond personal growth, one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing martial arts is the vibrant community it fosters.
With its fusion of philosophy, culture, spirituality, and history, martial arts attracts a fascinating mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds. These organizations often give back to the community through volunteer work and plan to attend or host tournaments and demonstrations.
Martial arts also transcend borders, creating an international network. Whenever I visit a new city, my uniform has been a symbol of connection as I sought local dojos to train at. Each time, I’ve been welcomed with curiosity and open arms.
In fact, every time I’ve moved to a new city, whether San Francisco, Berlin, or New York City, finding my new dojo has been a foundational step in grounding myself. Within just a couple of months of training, I find myself a sense of camaraderie among a new group of people with whom I can explore, learn from, and find my new footing with.
Amidst the ever-evolving fitness landscape, martial arts remain a timeless pursuit that never ceases to fascinate me. Japanese martial arts in particular for me have had an amazingly strong influence on me and my own physical, mental, and social development.
So, if you’re seeking a new hobby that goes beyond mere physical exercise, consider immersing yourself in the world of martial arts and discover the transformative power of self-defense, conflict resolution, improved health, discipline, self-confidence, and a supportive community. Embrace the artistry and philosophy that make martial arts one of the most enriching and fulfilling endeavors you can embark upon!
