If you’re thinking about martial arts either for yourself or your child, it’s a great choice! In the United Kingdom, martial arts are more popular than ever. There are so many benefits to both your physical and mental health reasons to learn martial arts. But it can be tough to commit to something new.
That’s why you should read the guide we put together with 10 reasons to learn martial arts. Check it out below.
1. Increased Confidence
Increased confidence is something that martial artists of all ages enjoy. Whether it’s for you or your child, martial arts can help you improve your confidence and self-esteem.
Practicing, improving, and succeeding at a skill improves self-image and gives participants confidence that they can succeed in other areas and endeavours.
In fact, children who participate in Tae Kwon-Do or a similar martial art show improved confidence and even better performance in school. So, if you’re looking to improve your child’s self-confidence or yours, martial arts are a great activity to do so.
2. Full Body Workout
Are you looking for a new form of exercise? Martial arts is the answer!
That’s because martial arts truly provide a full-body workout. Consistent practice has been shown to increase overall mobility, improve your body’s pressure response, and increase muscle.
So many martial arts involve repeat muscular actions over time you’ll build strength and burn calories. Who doesn’t want that?
3. Increased Flexibility
Repetitive movements like high kicks, low stances, fancy footwork, and ground manoeuvring improve flexibility and mobility which will benefit your overall health.
Did you know that flexibility has many health benefits? Some of them include:
- Improved posture
- Better freedom of movement
- Reduced muscle soreness and tension
- Improved relaxation of mind and body
- Reduced risk of injury
The multi-directional movement of Tae Kwon-Do makes it a perfect martial art for those who want to improve flexibility. If flexibility is your goal, try it out!
4. Better Coordination
All martial arts require spatial awareness and coordinating movement with another person. Some martial arts even include the use of props and tools.
All of these factors improve the coordination and awareness of the participant’s body as well as the people and objects around them.
Practices like Tae Kwon-Do encourage the lower part of the body to act as a base from which the upper body can manoeuvre and operate.
5. Self-Defence Skills
One obvious benefit to learning martial arts is an improved ability to perform self-defence manoeuvres in situations where there is a real threat.
Martial arts can prepare practitioners to defend themselves in life-threatening and dangerous situations.
This is great for you but also really great for your children as well.
6. Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Participants in martial arts have been shown to have lower blood pressure and heart rates. But that’s not all.
Because of its similarity to H.I.I.T. (high-intensity interval training), martial arts can improve overall heart health, lower cholesterol, and provide more regulated blood sugar and insulin levels. Say hello to a healthier body and happier life!
Martial artists enjoy all the physical benefits of regular exercise without having to run on a treadmill or lift weights. It’s a great option to improve your health.
7. Want to Improve Your Mental Stamina? Learn Martial Arts
Recent research showed that aerobic exercise (like martial arts) actually produced a physical change in the brain that promotes better memory and learning skills.
Those who want to prevent this debilitating condition can fight it by participating in martial arts.
This is a great benefit that many people aren’t aware of when it comes to martial arts.
8. Improved Social Skills
Martial arts can also help you develop social skills. This is because of the team environment. You’re working alongside people with the same goals as you, learning and growing together.
This is especially beneficial for children. In martial arts classes, they’ll be able to learn how to resolve conflicts, make new friends, and show compassion.
Being in a new environment can be scary for kids but learning how to navigate that situation in a safe controlled environment is a great skill that will benefit them for life.
9. Develop Self-Discipline
By attending martial arts classes you’ll become accustomed to direction and structure. In this environment you have to pay attention to the task at hand and rid your mind of distractions.
It’s also crucial to realize that achieving your martial arts goals depends on you. No one else can do it for you. This promotes self-reliance and independence!
You’re the one who needs to put in the work to improve and grow. To be your best, you need to be dedicated and put in the required effort.
As you progress, you’ll gain self-discipline that will be beneficial in every other aspect of your life as well.
10. Stress Relief
Did you know that practicing martial arts can help relieve stress? Often this is accomplished by focusing on the present and things you can control. Many forms of martial arts also emphasize being in complete control of your breathing and thoughts.
When you do this, you’re learning a skill that can be applied throughout all areas of life. When you’re more focused and confident and your thoughts are clearer, you’ll relieve yourself of stress in so many other parts of life too.
More than anything, going to martial arts class will help you leave with an increased mental focus and a greater appreciation for the world around you through a fun, safe, and challenging workout in an encouraging environment with like-minded people.
Reasons to Learn Martial Arts
Hopefully, you’ll now see just some of the reasons that martial arts will benefit you and why you or your child should take up martial arts.
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve read all that, it’s time to get started. Make the decision today to push yourself to a new level of personal performance. In no time, you’ll be reaping all the benefits of learning martial arts. So just do it and get started today.
If you have questions or want help getting started to learn martial arts in any of our clubs, contact us today by completing the form below. We’re here to help with anything you need to take your first step.