Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Benefits of Martial Arts Training- - Chief Instructor's Blog June 2010

There are many benefits from the practicing and studying of a martial art. These include physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Physical Benefits
There are many physical benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Aerobic conditioning which improves one’s cardiovascular system and is an important part of weight management [1];
• Anaerobic conditioning which is important for increasing stamina and endurance and ability to perform short, intense bursts of activity [2];
• Increased muscular strength which can decrease the risk of injuries, supports maintaining a healthier body mass, and allows one to perform daily tasks without being as tasked [1];
• Improved coordination which is a key factor in physical activities that require eye-hand, eye-foot, or rhythmic movements and plays a major role in developing agility [2];
• Improved balance in static and dynamic situations;
• Reduced stress;
• Improved flexibility which leads to, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) [1], greater freedom of movement and improved posture, increased physical and mental relaxation, release of muscle tension and soreness, and reduced risk of injury; and
• Improved agility.

Mental Benefits
The mental benefits from studying martial arts include, but are not limited to:
• Improved mental strength which allows gives one the ability to concentrate and focus longer and more intensely on given tasks, undertake obstacles, undertake challenges, and set high goals [2];
• Ability to shift attention and focus from one place to another; and
• Improved mental endurance which provides you the discipline, mental stamina and perseverance to compete difficult tasks at hand, finish what you start, overcome obstacles, and complete your goals [2].

Emotional
There are many emotional benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased self confidence;
• More effective breathing which ensures adequate oxygen to the brain [2];
• Reduced stress.

Spiritual
There are many spiritual benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased mind-body connection;
• More awareness of oneself and body;
• Discovery of one’s self and potential

If you are thinking that many of these are intertwined, you are right. There are also many causes and effects. Our emotional state can affect our physical. Our physical capability and performing techniques well can boost self-confidence which brings out a positive emotional state. A positive emotional state can make us physically more effective. If we have confidence, we are more focused. If we are more focused our physical techniques are better. If we start to recognize these connections, our mind-body connection is enhanced as is our awareness of our self. We can then discover our true potential and benefit spiritually. Martial arts training has a variety of benefits that support an overall healthier living.

Regards,
Kelly

“Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result.” ~ Tien T'ai (538-597 CE), founder of the Chinese T’ien-t’ai sect of Buddhism

“In the past, many masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation. If karate should be introduced, beginning in the elementary schools, then we will produce many men each capable of defeating ten assailants.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908

References
1. http://www.acefitness.org
2. Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts by Sang H. Kim