Why Martial Arts Are Good For You

By Alex Tan, 2nd dan

Breaking bricks and boards, fighting off bad guys, and flying kicks sailing through the air- these may be some of the things you see actors do in martial arts movies which make them appear really cool. In reality for the most part, the picture could be a little different. For those who want to do martial arts, they usually do it for reasons more than just to look cool such as in the movies. Martial arts can help provide many benefits to those that are willing to learn the art. At the martial arts school here in Littleton, we help educate students in both physical and mental aspects of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. Although most are expecting just the physical aspects of martial arts when starting initially, there’s a whole list of benefits that the training provides you passively as you progress in your training.

One of the main reasons, and perhaps the most obvious reason why martial arts classes are good for you is to improve your self defense. You may be put in situations where you have to defend yourself or someone else. Knowing self defense may save you in a situation and give you enough time to run away or call for help. Another benefit of martial arts is it’s a good workout. It can increase your muscle strength, build your endurance, and help build your overall mobility. Following the benefit of a good workout, it helps you stay healthy by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. This may eventually lead to lower cholesterol levels and keep you staying healthy over your life. Another benefit would be increasing your coordination. Your sense of awareness will heighten and you will be more coordinated with the environment and the people that are around you. 

Besides the physical aspects, martial arts can benefit you mentally as well. Doing aerobic exercises like martial arts have been proven through research that it can help your brain develop and enhance activities such as improving your memory. Another thing that martial arts teaches you is self discipline. It teaches and reminds you how to focus on a task at hand. It teaches you that you have to be able to take certain initiatives with your actions. This not only ties within martial arts, but also other aspects of your life as well. And lastly, it’s great for relieving stress. After a long day at work and school, it directs your focus to just martial arts. If you are sitting in a chair all day working or studying, now you are able to move and yell which is a great stress reliever.

These are just some of the many reasons as to why martial arts classes are good for you. Some may just think that it’s only the physical aspects that may benefit you, but in reality there is so much more than can be gained through participation. Also, when you learn martial arts, it not only benefits you when you're at the martial arts school, but also in other aspects of your life as well such as at work and home.. Everything ties together, but it all starts with you taking the initiative and managing your time wisely in your learning. 

If you or a loved one is looking into martial arts class, then you should check out the programs offered at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. You might just find what you are looking for and they will help get closer to your goals!