In my many years training and teaching martial arts, one of the most common questions I am asked is “what are the benefits of martial arts?”. Many parents ask “Does it really help with focus?” “Does martial arts really provide discipline and structure?” “Do kids really develop confidence?”. The simple answer is yes, martial arts really does provide all of this and so much more.
I have taught students who gained confidence and courage to stand up for themselves or others, while having the discipline to know when fighting is not appropriate. I have trained instructors who have the structure and focus to pass on their knowledge to others, while being courteous and kind in their teachings. I have watched many students come and go, and all of those who truly gave martial arts a try gained something beneficial before leaving. However, the simple answer is not always the complete picture. Martial arts can be a great many things to different people, but it requires effort from the individual. In my years training in martial arts I gained different benefits at different stages in my training and in my life. When I first started, martial arts was mainly an outlet for physical activity, something to keep me busy and active. As I slowly advanced in rank it became more goal oriented, it was something I wanted to succeed at, to get better and learn more of. Eventually martial arts became more about the capability to defend myself, while I had been learning self-defense techniques throughout the ranks I wanted to truly prove to myself that I could use the training effectively. As I grew so too did my view of martial arts, I wanted to do more than learn about it, I wanted to share my knowledge with others, and so I became an instructor. In closing, the long answer to the question “what are the benefits of martial arts” is the benefits are only limited by your own potential for growth. Yes, martial arts can provide discipline, structure, physical activity, confidence, courage, focus, leadership skills, and much more. So long as you have a desire to learn and grow, you will find benefit in martial arts. Even if all you want is a hobby, give martial arts a try and see what benefits you can get out of it. |
AuthorJesse Martz has been training in martial arts since 2001, and teaching martial arts as a school owner since 2012. It is a wonderful privilege to be a teacher and mentor to people of all ages who wish to learn about martial arts and gain all of the benefits it offers. ArchivesCategories |