September 21, 2024
Madhura Mohan
Benefits Of Martial Arts Training – For Mind & Body
T
he term, ‘martial arts’ evokes the picture of fight scenes of the iconic Bruce Lee movies for many people. The speed and precision of his movements, the high-flying kicks, his coordinated body control, and the intense and electrifying fast strikes captured the audience. But we tell you what, martial arts aren’t just about physical movements and fighting scenes. It’s a discipline and a way of life that emphasizes mental and physical well-being. Martial arts are not only a self-defense technique as it is thought of by many individuals, but it has a diverse and long history offering individuals an enriching experience.
If you want to tap into your inner strength and translate that into something empowering, then in this blog, we’ll tell you how martial arts can help you to do that…
WHAT IS MARTIAL ARTS?
Martial arts aren’t just about fighting skills or self-defense techniques, it is a technique that offers a rich physiological foundation by combining physical fitness, mental discipline, spiritual development and perseverance.
Martial arts, which is most often known as self-defense technique includes different movements like strikes, punches, kicks, throws, and grappling.
Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Karate, Sambo, Kali and Judo are some of the different forms of Martial arts. All these forms have different styles and techniques and each form has its history and philosophy.
All these forms are performed differently and help build a strong connection between body and mind. Martial arts help to cultivate discipline, promote mindfulness and help achieve inner strength, focus, and self-discipline.
Jiu-Jitsu is a Japan-based Martial art form that involves flexibility and efficiency. Kung-fu is a China-based Martial art form that involves strikes, kicks, locks and throws. Taekwondo is a Korean-based Martial art form that involves high, spinning kicks, elbows and knee strikes.
Muay Thai is a Thailand-based Martial art form which uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. Karate is a Japan-based Martial art form in which there are more powerful knee strikes and open-hand techniques. Sambo is a Russian-based Martial art that involves techniques like grappling, joint locks and throws and Kali is yet another Martial art form that involves grappling, joint locks and throws.
PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
PROMOTES CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS
Performing Martial arts not only strengthens the heart muscles but also improves the ability of the heart to pump blood and oxygen through the body. Cardiovascular fitness improves lung function, helps regulate metabolism, improves stamina and reduces fatigue.
INCREASES FLEXIBILITY
Rapid stretches and dynamic moves in Martial arts help to improve body coordination and reduce muscle soreness, flexibility, and mobility. The high kicks and jumping spins help stretch the neck, arms, thighs, hamstrings, calves and help achieve better body flexibility.
ASSISTS IN WEIGHT LOSS
The dynamic exercise involves multiple muscles simultaneously, increasing calorie burn. From kicks to punches to grappling, martial arts improve cardiovascular endurance, increase metabolism, and burn calories. Martial art technique helps in increasing muscle mass, the increased muscle mass helps increase the resting metabolic rate, which can help you burn more calories when you are not working out.
ENHANCES CORE STRENGTH
You can achieve strong core muscles by performing Martial arts. The range of motion in Martial arts helps to strengthen abdominal muscles and muscles around the pelvis. A stronger core benefits body posture, enables you to perform tasks efficiently and enhances flexibility and endurance.
ENHANCES ENDURANCE
The dynamic actions of striking, grappling, punching, and kicking in martial arts keep the body continuously engaged and demand that you push yourself to the limit physically and mentally. Martial arts help to improve cardiovascular and physical endurance over time.
IMPROVES JOINT HEALTH
Martial arts involve powerful, rapid movements like kicking, punching, and striking that help to improve the flexibility in joints. The dynamic, powerful body moves help to contribute to building muscle strength, improving joint flexibility, and mobility.
ENHANCES MUSCLE STRENGTH
Martial arts engage the entire body and strengthen the muscles around the shoulders, neck, knees and elbows. Improved muscle strength provides better support to the joints and helps reduce the strain placed on them. With regular practice of Martial arts, your muscles become more stronger, flexible, and withstand fatigue.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF MARTIAL ARTS
HELPS REDUCE MENTAL STRESS
Martial arts works on various aspects of discipline, mindfulness, and breath control which help in reducing mental stress and improve mental focus. The body releases endorphins (natural stress reducers) when you perform Martial arts that help reduce anxiety and stress, and help keep your mind focussed and calm.
ENHANCES SELF-CONFIDENCE
You should work on several aspects like dedication, discipline, determination, and focus to master the Martial arts. Once you become fitter and stronger and master the form, it gives you a feeling of empowerment, and accomplishment and makes you feel confident. The mind and body coordination and the ability to control your thoughts and actions under pressure boosts your self-confidence.
The Martial art form combines strength, skill, focus, discipline, and self-control…
When you perform Martial arts, with each training day comes a new challenge encouraging you to ignite continuous self-improvement physically, mentally and spiritually…
Also Read: Breathing Exercises For Effective Stress Relief
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