The Benefits of Martial Arts

Most of us can probably think of a famous action star or martial artist who is in great shape and can beat up the bad guys on the big screen. However, there is so much more to martial arts than just looking good while kicking and punching. While fighting off villains with taekwondo is wildly appealing, the benefits of martial arts for people of all ages is much more far-reaching than this.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Exercise

While martial arts may be best known as something that makes you strong, it also improves flexibility. In fact, many martial arts focus on flexibility and taking care of your joints, and the best martial arts instructors will focus closely on preventative care of the body as well. For these reasons, martial arts is an excellent form of exercise for all age groups. You can expect a reduced chance of injury and less health risks when compared to weightlifting, CrossFit, running, or any other activity that is high-impact on the joints.

 Another major benefit of martial arts is the self-esteem and confidence that you will develop. Martial arts is unique because it is a calisthenic sport–meaning that you don’t need any extra equipment and instead must rely on your own commitment to practice and study. Because martial arts only requires an individual and their own capabilities, your understanding of how your body works improves constantly, and through this, your self-confidence grows. This newly found confidence will transfer itself to other areas of your life, like your belief in yourself and others. Martial arts has a wide range of benefits when it comes to exercise, but perhaps none greater than the benefit to your mental state.

 Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids

 Naturally, children can benefit from the physical aspects of martial arts. There is always room for children to be active, but martial arts is a particularly safe sport since it is based on body weight and flexibility. Weights and other equipment-heavy activities can be dangerous for children, so martial arts is much more complementary to a growing physique. Not to mention, most martial arts schools focus on key skills such as bully prevention, self-defense and stranger danger. This means that kids are also learning practical life skills in their classes. Whether you are considering enrolling your child for exercise purposes, mental wellness, or staying safe at school, martial arts has a plethora of benefits for children.

 Benefits of Martial Arts for Teens

Similarly to the benefits of martial arts for children, there are many advantages for teenagers, too. Because teens are not finished growing, they can still become incredibly flexible and build strength quickly. Teenagers with troubled backgrounds tend to thrive in a martial arts setting because it gives them focus, self-discipline, and structure. Along with this, children and teens alike benefit from this organized environment as they are simultaneously developing greater self-esteem and confidence in their martial arts classes.

 Benefits of Martial Arts for Adults

If you’re an adult with no martial arts experience, don’t panic–it’s not too late! In many ways, martial arts is best-suited to adults. Adults have already faced the realities of school, work, and other serious responsibilities, so they understand how incredibly important it is to stay committed to fitness and health. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own martial arts journey but have thought, “It’s too late for me, I’m too old and I have my share of injuries,” this is not the case! Martial arts is for any age, as this sport is able to account for adapting to injuries, limitations, and more. Caring martial arts instructors will check in regularly with their students, especially the adults, to ensure that the classes are meeting their needs as well as not exceeding any potential limitations. It is never too late to work on your flexibility and strength, and through learning martial arts, you can safely do this!

 Benefits of ATA Martial Arts

While martial arts uses a holistic approach to fitness, it is important to still be careful when choosing a school. There are many privately owned schools that have no unified standard or method of teaching, so it’s critical that you try the school first before you sign up for any memberships. However, The American Taekwondo Association, or ATA, has international standards that all of their schools are required to meet. These instructors are certified in forms and weapons, but also in a style of teaching method that is particular to martial arts. They are also required to be CPR and First Aid certified.

 Conclusion

While no two people have the same exact physical and mental goals, you’ll find that martial arts is a beacon for people with a wide range of interests and goals on their journey to self-betterment. As long as you research your local options thoroughly and practice consistently, then you really cannot go wrong with martial arts!