Martial arts is becoming increasingly popular amongst Generation-Y, especially with the increasingly popularity of MMA and the UFC. Learning a martial art, whether it's karate, taekwondo, judo, or jiu-jitsu, is more than just a method of self-defense and kicking ass. There are many psychological, spiritual, and physical benefits of getting involved in martial arts. Here are the top five reasons you should consider learning a form of martial arts.
It teaches honor and respect.
Traditional martial arts, such as karate or judo, will teach you the importance of putting your ego aside and respecting your instructor, as well as others in higher positions, such as your parents or elders. Learning martial arts reinforces etiquette, respecting rules, and following a code of honor. You'll learn to show some humility, for some day, you'll be in a position of power and know what it's like to be in your underling’s shoes.
It teaches you to use non-violent conflict resolution.
Learning martial arts teaches you to mentally and physically refrain from violence and only use it for self-defense when it's the last resort. Martial artists will try to refrain from conflict and use non-violent conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a physical altercation. In the real world, it's equivalent to having the mental discipline to refrain from getting into fights with stupid people.
"Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." - Mark Twain
It helps you to set and achieve goals.
Life is a journey, and learning martial arts teaches you that the journey is broken down into small achievements, which accumulate into much larger goals and accomplishments. It teaches you patience, discipline, and humility, as you move up the ladder. Each step you take gets harder and harder, but it teaches you to push yourself to reach every milestone along the way. Most forms of martial arts use colored belts to represent their ranking systems. When you strive towards a new belt, you're learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching goals.
"Visualize the action, actualize the vision.”
It helps you to gain confidence and boost self-esteem.
You will become more powerful than you could ever imagine. The more skills you learn, and the higher your mastery of the martial arts technique, the more confident you will become, and the more you will appreciate your self-worth. The more you accomplish, the more you'll be comfortable with taking risk and stepping out of your comfort zone when faced with the unfamiliar.
“I fear no man on earth that breathes the same air as I do.” - Bernard Hopkins
It improves your mental and physical strength.
Learning martial arts strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. Any form of martial arts requires a combination of speed, flexibility, and physical strength. It provides a great all-around fitness workout and will keep you in great shape. Martial arts combine mental focus with physical toughness, which can push the body to do some incredible things.
"Technique over strength, tactics over aggression."
