men sparring

5 Benefits of Martial Arts

How good does it feel to let out all that steam when punching that boxing bag? Tired of your normal, repetitive gym routine? Martial Arts provides an abundance of benefits, both physically and mentally for people of all ages, from young kids to adults, in a new and fun way. Still not convinced? Keep reading for our top five benefits of doing martial arts!

1. Cardiovascular Health

Research reveals that only 1 in 5 adults meet the suggested amount of exercise. Some suggest exercising 4-5 times a week for 20-30 minutes to maximise heart health. But we know it can be hard to fit in exercise around busy schedules. Learning a Martial Art offers a fun way to get back into healthy habits and kickstart your fitness journey.

Taking up Muay Thai and Boxing can help train cardiovascular endurance and raise your heat heart. Most Muay Thai sessions last for an hour and is both aerobic and anaerobic. Doing classes just once a week can start to get your heart rate up, and pump more oxygen through your blood, promoting calorie burning and better blood flow within your body. The best bit? You’ll be having so much fun it won’t even feel like exercise!

woman boxing

2. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Often, many martial arts disciplines depend on techniques rather than physical strength. This acts as a great confidence booster for those that may feel like they aren’t as strong if their body build is smaller.

For example, in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the style teaches you a form of self-defence, leaving you feeling more confident and mentally stronger. The style involves grappling on the floor techniques, rather than relying on brute physical strength. This gives those who might be physically smaller to feel confident in defending themselves over larger opponents if the situation arises.

3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Martial Arts provides a level of concentration and routine for both children and adults with ASD, especially karate. The repetitive motions picked up in martial arts help with Stereotypy that affects children of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Not only does it help them physically, it improves their social interaction and self-confidence. Most classes require you to partner up and interact with others in your class, this type of constant social interaction will gradually give them the opportunity to develop social skills in a fun and safe environment.

Other ways it has been said to have helped those with ASD:

  • Communication Skills
  • Memory
  • Postural Control
  • Concentration

These disciplines and skills developed through martial arts will often carry over into other day-to-day activities.

4. Stress Relief

As work gets busier and life gets more fast paced, it is common for the stress and anxiety of life to build up. With martial arts being a mix of cardio, strength and skills training, it triggers the release of endorphins in your body. When endorphins are released, it signals a positive feeling in your body which helps to reduce stress.

Martial art such as Muay Thai and BJJ involve rolling and kicking which is a good way to relieve stress in a controlled environment. It also practices a more still mindset, as it requires you to be more patient and focused as you learn harder techniques and moves. So not only are you training your body, but your mind too!

kids sparring

5. Attention, Focus and Alertness

It has been said that martial arts is a form of Attention State Training (AST), which is one of the ways to improve attention. Any discipline of martial arts will require a high amount of focus and concentration, as they are about getting the right skills and perfecting the techniques you learn.

For example, when sparring with a partner, high levels of concentration are needed to avoid getting hurt. Doing this time and time again will result in the increase of your overall attention span as well as your reflexes.

Kids martial arts classes are especially beneficial mentally, as it can teach them great discipline, focus and concentration from a young age. Meaning they will be more focused and attentive in other aspects of life such as when at school.

No matter how old you are, your skill level, or your busy schedule, taking up a form of martial arts can drastically improve your life. Martial arts can help you feel stronger – both mentally and physically – and what better way to do it than with a class of likeminded people! Join the M1FC martial arts community in Osborne Park or Joondalup today and kickstart your way to a happier and healthier lifestyle.