The benefits of exercise don’t end at making you look good, they also make you feel good and think better. According to a study, physical activity has been linked to visible improvements in a person’s mental health and overall well-being. What they found was surprising.
The 2016 study conducted to show the relationship between physical activity and mental health showcased growing evidence that a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand. A flood of endorphins from physical activity has been shown to improve if not prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Martial Arts can have great benefits for mental health
Martial arts is more than just physical activity, and that is why the benefits you will get from this discipline of the physical arts is far more than what even regular trips to the gym can bring you. Martial arts actually helps people to lead calmer, more self-possessed lives, improve attention and generally foster good mental health.
The Link Between Martial Arts and Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a meditative technique that focuses on deliberately drawing your attention to the present moment, and focusing your mind solely on living in the present. If you practice martial arts, then two key skills that you cannot progress without, are discipline, and mindfulness.
Martial Arts is a kind of physical exercise that does not just train the body, but also the mind. The mind has to be trained to respond properly and in-time to various real-life scenarios, especially if you intend to participate in competitions and rise through the ranks of your chosen kind of martial art. Some kinds of martial arts, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are more physically intensive than styles like Tai Chi which require greater patience and mastery over the mind.
Martial Arts is considered a form of AST, where the learner has to train both the body and the mind to obtain the best benefits from this artform.
AT or Attention Training versus AST or Attention State Training is another way to understand the role of mindfulness and discipline in martial arts. While Attention Training/AT focuses on training a skill so that the learner improves with practice, Attention State Training/AST highlights the importance of training the state of mind the learner is in, in order to encourage focus and determined growth.
The Role of Martial Arts and Self-Control
A study was conducted in the United States where children aged between eight and eleven were given training in martial arts as a part of an anti-bullying program. The children were taught not only how to defend themselves, but also how to respect others alongside themselves. Since martial arts heavily emphasises respective the teacher/guru/sensei, the moral values this physical activity brings also aids in developing emotional intelligence and social skills.
The children were also taught how to control themselves when faced with aggressive situations.
The results of the experiment showed that the children that practised martial arts had reduced levels of overall aggression towards others, and that they were more likely to step in and help another person if required.
Various martial arts, such as Kickboxing and Muay Thai require calculated strikes in order to make an impact. Self-discipline and control become a part of the growth process for those invested in learning a form of martial arts.
Martial Arts and How it Lowers Depression
Martial Arts doesn’t just benefit children, studies indicate that it can help older people control their emotional health as well .
The aforementioned study was conducted using three control groups where one group received martial arts training in Karate, another received cognitive training, and the third received physical training that was not related to martial arts. The study comprised of a group of 45 adults aged between 67 and 93.
After the results were collated, it was discovered that the group that received training in martial arts showed lowered levels of depression and increased self-esteem when compared to other groups.
It is already well known that physical activity releases chemicals like serotonin and endorphins that improve the state of the mind, alongside the body. However the increase in self-esteem can also be attributed to different factors exclusive to martial arts that are not always present in only physical training. One of these is the reduced feelings of powerlessness. Martial arts was once used as a way to fight off dacoits and thieves when they came to attack peoples homes. It gave the people a sense of power as well as the knowledge that they could protect themselves should push come to shove.
Martial Arts is also a social activity that focuses not only on self-defense, but also on overall development as an individual. Men, women and children of all ages can enjoy the benefits of brain power and development through martial arts.
Martial Arts and Improving Memory
Italian researchers have discovered that Karate has been linked to improvement in a person’s memory. Children who learn Karate from an early age have a decided advantage while growing up. You can consider signing your child up for our Kids Karate course if you would like to see the benefits martial arts can bring into the life of your child. We also offer courses in other martial arts, such as Kids Muay Thai, which offer holistic development as well.
Martial Arts have been a part of global tradition throughout history, where most cultures developed ways of self-defense against those that may harm them. Research over the years have shown positive links between mental health, brain power and martial arts.
Get started on your personal journey towards self development and better mental health.
If you want to discover for yourself how much you can grow and improve your mental health if not your whole life through martial arts, look for a Martial Arts Academy with experienced Coaches skilled in training. Most importantly, the coaches should be friendly and approachable on and off the mat.
There are many forms of Martial Arts, so talk with a Coach first to get an idea of which Martial Art would suit you best. A good academy or gym will be able to guide you based on your level of fitness, age, body shape and most importantly the reason you wish to study a Martial Art.
Most Martial Arts Academies or gyms will run classes in Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Brazilan Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Boxing, Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts.
I recommend Jiu Jitsu for all ages and levels of fitness but check out my blog post Which Martial Art Style Should I Learn?. It includes links to videos on each style.
The bottom line is that your martial arts journey will last a lifetime.
The most important thing is to get started so that you can get the amazing benefits that a martial arts can bring.
