Curious about martial arts classes? Learn about the benefits in this guest post by San Diego, CA teacher Brittany M…
Are you thinking about joining a martial art? Or maybe you are thinking of putting your child in a martial arts class? If you are like everyone else, you are probably a little bit unsure, and wondering things like “What if it is too hard?” or “Will martial arts make my child violent?” I am here to tell you a few of many reasons why everyone (and yes everyone: you, your significant other, and your child) should all take martial arts classes.
Physical Benefits
After the first couple days of your classes, you may be a little sore. You will wake up in the morning and wonder, “What was I thinking?” This part is important: you have to keep training. After a few more classes you will stop getting so sore, and it will be replaced by strength. Even the most basic movements will start to make you stronger and more coordinated, and will improve your overall physical fitness, all while you’re learning a valuable skill! What’s better than that?
Mental Benefits
Martial arts can increase your confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It can teach you to channel your emotions into something positive. It is extremely beneficial to kids with ADHD and anyone who has trouble concentrating. Martial arts classes teach you values, respect, discipline, confidence, honor, and so much more. I’ll tell a quick story that’s a little personal to me as well: when I started martial arts I was a shy, self-conscious, sad, and angry 16-year-old girl. Martial arts changed everything for me. I became a strong, confident, independent, and overall happier person! I don’t even recognize that girl who was too scared to even ask for a bottle of water at a water booth. Now I am an instructor and a leader, and am not afraid to speak in front of a crowd. The mental benefits are unmatched.
Self-Defense
The world we live in is not safe. Whether dealing with a bully at school, or a dangerous street situation, we should all know how to handle a situation we are put in. It may be just how to be aware of your surroundings so you stay out of bad situations, or where and how to hit so you have time to run for your life. I feel so much more safe knowing I can avoid most bad situations, but still handle them in the worst-case scenario. Everyone who trains in martial arts hopes they never have to use it. But when you need it, it’s there.
These are just three very broad reasons why everyone should take martial arts classes. Whether you want to get in shape, compete, learn to defend yourself, or you’re like me and just have some crazy drive to become a black belt, martial arts will improve your life. There is no doubt about that.
Brittany M. teaches hapkido, karate, self defense, and taekwondo in San Diego, CA. She is a 2nd degree black belt in hapkido and tae kwan do. Learn more about Brittany here!
Photo by runya
Suzy S.