The term martial art is used to mean traditions or coded systems used in combat. There are many forms of martial arts such as Karate, kung fu, muay Thai, aikido, judo, taekwondo, hapkido, krav maga and jujutsu. Traditionally, martial arts originated from eastern Asian countries. The communities in the eastern Asian nations considered some of the arts to be part of their culture, background and religion. However, martial arts have spread all over the world and are practiced for a wide range of objectives. Some people practice martial arts for commercial purposes, competition, personal fitness, self defense or physical and mental health. Currently, there are martial arts associations where individuals can join, practice and get recognition as they gain experience in this field. Martial arts are known to have many benefits to individuals and society at large. Therefore, even though people have different reasons to take part in martial arts, they obtain many more benefits than they even know.
Martial arts help in the improvement of body health. Taking martial arts lessons helps enhance an individual’s cardiovascular health. The cardiovascular system is composed of arteries, capillaries, veins and human heart muscles. When the cardiovascular system is weakened, one may suffer from a shortage of breath, fatigue, and weaknesses and in some cases severe conditions such as heart attacks. Recent research has revealed that the most efficient ways of improving one’s cardiovascular system is to take healthy foods and taking part in activities that exert stress on the heart. People are encouraged to take part in intense martial arts for at least half an hour often to help enhance their cardiovascular system.
Martial arts help individuals lose weight significantly. The surest way to burn excessive calories in the body is by taking part in intense physical exercise. For instance, a pound of body fat amounts to about 3500 calories. For one to lose that kind of body weight, they need to spend at least an hour doing intense martial arts. One hour of exercise can help burn about 500 calories. Therefore, a person who participates in martial arts can lose 3500 calories in just a week. Weight loss is healthy because it keeps one flexible and avoids health complications such as obesity.
Frequent participation in martial arts is known to enhance ones moods. Research scientists argue that regular exercise such as martial arts helps relieve frustration and stress. This is because this kind of body exercise keeps and individual occupied until they forget the difficulties in their lives. Exercise makes people happier and mentally fit. The endorphins produced during physical exercise remain active in the human body for over four hours after the exercise. The endorphins help keep good moods and attitude.
Martial arts help in enhancing an individual’s reflexes. One of the qualities needed to succeed in martial arts is to possess quick reflexes. Taking part in martial arts helps improve reflex reactions not only in martial arts but also in every other activity one undertakes. This will improve people’s daily lives when doing activities such as driving, cooking and in some professions such as boxing. Another health benefit is that martial arts increase muscle tones of those who participate in the activity. Frequent exercise helps increase the muscle mass of the body. Increase in muscle mass is instrumental in improving the body tone. Muscle mass also raises the body’s metabolic needs hence; the body will burn more calories leading to less body fat and body weight. Therefore, martial arts help improve body agility and muscle tone.
There are many more benefits from martial arts that are not related to body heath. One of them is the positive psychological mindset enhancement. Martial arts have a big psychological effect on human beings. When an individual begins taking part, they may be scared of what they may go through. However, as they learn to attack and defend themselves, they begin to have an open mind. Martial arts give a positive mindset towards everything in life. It can help one improve their studies, work place performance or interpersonal relations because it give one a positive attitude and mentality.
Martial arts are known for the quick reflexes and movements. For one to achieve this kind of body flexibility, they must have sufficient coordination in their body parts. Martial arts help improve the coordination of body parts such as feet, hands, sight and many others. This kind of coordination can be achieved differently basing on the type of martial art. For instance, capoeira helps improve bodily coordination more than karate. Coordination can only be achieved through improved flexibility and agility. Those participating in martial arts should enjoy learning the art, the people around and trainers and the coordination comes naturally as one gains martial arts experience.
Martial arts are also instrumental in creating individual networks and friendships. Usually, people join martial arts clubs for different objectives. There are those who join for fun or as a hobby. Therefore, there is a chance that people of different professions and backgrounds will meet and share personal experiences. Martial arts are an activity where people with common interests may meet and learn a lot form one another. They also become friends, which makes the activity a social forum in a way.
Martial arts play an important role in helping people improve their discipline levels. Succeeding in martial arts requires that one is disciplined, following instructions and adhering to the rules of the art. Most people have the ability to succeed in martial arts but fall out because they lack the necessary discipline. However, as one learns this art, their discipline levels increase significantly. They are keen on small details and have long concentration spans. These traits obtained from martial arts become part of an individual’s character and can be applied in other real life situations at work or school.
Finally, martial arts can transform individuals from aggressive and temperamental to humble. Martial arts is not only about attacking and defending but also changing how people think. A professional martial teacher can help change people’s mindsets on their temper or aggression. This is because martial arts help one to learn how to handle themselves in difficult moments and to keep their composure all the time. This makes people humble and positive minded.
In conclusion, the benefits of martial arts are very significant in changing how people view themselves and the world around them. Martial arts can improve one’s health, physical condition, emotional behavior, interpersonal relations and general attitude. People should be encouraged to take part in martial arts because the lessons learnt can be used in different other real life situations.
Works Cited
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Blackall, Bernie. Martial Arts. New York: Heinemann/Raintree, 1998.
Cochran, Sean. Complete Conditioning for Martial Arts. New York: Human Kinetics, 2001.
Gifford, Clive. Martial Arts. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2009.
Iedwab, Claudio A and Roxanne L Standefer. Martial Arts: Mind & Body. illustrated. New York: Human Kinetics, 2000.
Knotts, Bob. Martial Arts. Houston: Scholastic Library Pub, 2000.
Levigne, Heather. Martial Arts in Action. New York: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2000.
Seabrook, Jamie A. Martial Arts Revealed: Benefits, Problems, and Solutions. New York: iUniverse, 2003.
Wheeler, Tom and Diego Aragona. Martial Arts: Lessons Learned Along the Way. Chicago: Xlibris Corporation, 2009.
