The benefits of training in the martial arts are more than just physical. This type of training has many mental benefits as well and these mental benefits can extend into every area of your day to day life. Along with improving your level of personal fitness and your knowledge and ability in self-defence, martial arts helps improve self-confidence and self-respect, goal setting, and perseverance. And it helps to combat destructive mental influences such as stress and depression.

Self-Confidence and Self Respect

When an individual is confident in who they are and they respect themselves, they are less likely to let themselves be abused by the bullies in this world. They are also not going to become bullies themselves because they won’t feel the need to hurt others (physically or emotionally) in order to feel better about themselves.

Goal Setting

Too many people settle for doing the same thing day after day, without setting goals for themselves. They never bother to ask themselves why they are on their current path and whether the path that they are on is the right one for them. This is a great tragedy!

Being able to set defined goals can help in all areas including your career, family and personal life. Of course, we hope that one of your goals will be to not let yourself become a victim and to stand up for those who are being victimized.

Perseverance

Being able to set goals doesn’t mean much unless you have the discipline and perseverance to achieve your goals. Training in the martial arts doesn’t only help you to develop physical stamina, it also helps you to develop mental stamina. There will be times when you do not feel like practicing, but those are the times that will develop your perseverance the most.

Stress Reduction

Learning self-defence can help to reduce your stress levels in a number of ways. For individuals who are fearful that someone is going to hurt them (this common in assault victims), feeling confident that they can protect themselves can relieve a tremendous amount of stress.

Of course the exercise and physical activity of the training also helps to reduce stress because it helps you to forget the irritations of the day and focus on what you are learning. It also helps to increase your brain’s production of endorphins which are known to lift the mood.

Living with daily stress is more than an inconvenience, it’s a health hazard! People who are stressed have more difficulty controlling their emotions and it impairs their ability to think clearly. Stress has been linked to several forms of cancer, serious accidents and even suicide.

Depression Fighter

It is easy for victims of abuse and bullying to become depressed. This in turn can lead to a weakened immune system and other problems.
While any form of physical exercise can increase endorphin levels in the brain and therefore fight depression, exercising through martial arts may have some additional benefits such as the confidence that it gives you as you become more proficient in the art. You will also be training in a positive environment with the encouragement of caring instructors.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Training in the martial arts can help you do both!