The Benefits of Martial Arts

Whether you’re interested in weapons like swordplay, or modern amalgamations of fighting styles such as MMA, shootfighting and Israel’s krav maga, there are plenty of options available. But what’s best for you will depend on your physical capabilities, how much time you can devote to training, and what you want to get out of your martial arts practice.

Martial arts are a physically demanding activity and students often see great improvement in their endurance, flexibility and strength. In addition to those physical benefits, martial arts students learn how to control their emotions. Many who have trained long term note that they are less prone to reactivity and can better handle stress, anger and frustration.

It takes a great deal of mental focus to execute the complex, foreign techniques learned in martial arts classes. From directing their energy to breaking a board, or ensuring that a technique is crisp and clean, students must be fully present in every moment of class. This focus translates into improved concentration in school, with students reporting better performance on tests and in academic subjects.

Martial arts also provide a sense of community and mutual respect amongst the people that train together, regardless of age or rank. The instructor, senior students and other martial artists have a tacit understanding that they will support each other in times of need. This can be a powerful antidote to the sense of isolation that can occur in modern life.