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5 Health Benefits of Practicing Martial Arts

Did you know that almost 4 million people practice martial arts around the world? And this number keeps growing every year! 

There are many different types of martial arts, but they’re all joined by the same health benefits. That’s what keeps these 4 million people coming back time after time. They’ve figured out all the things that martial arts can do to enhance your life, allowing you to experience a greater sense of physical and mental well-being.

If you’ve ever wondered about how martial arts can benefit you, read on!

1. Get In Better Shape

Exercise makes you lose weight and shape your body by building muscle. However, many people avoid the gym because it’s boring or they feel shy. Using mixed martial arts as exercise allows you to tone and build your body while having a ton of fun!

You’ll be in a class with people around the same level as you, who are willing to help you improve your technique, so there’s no reason to be embarrassed. Everyone there is in the same position as you! And, the classes are so fun you’ll barely notice you’re doing a demanding workout.

This makes it easy to stick with an exercise routine, and martial arts are some of the best sports for weight loss and muscle toning.

2. Improve Your Coordination

Martial arts are at the intersection of fitness and skill, so you’ll naturally develop both as you take classes. At the same time as you’re getting strong and fit, you’ll be improving your balance, stability, and coordination. 

Improved coordination can help reduce fall risk as you age, and prevent injury in daily life. What you do in the gym will significantly improve your quality of life outside the gym.

3. Increased Self-Confidence

As you develop new skills, you’ll find yourself getting more confident in achievements both big and small. For example, if you’re attending Kioto martial arts school, you’ll experience success in each class as you learn new moves. You’ll also earn new belts, a concrete measure of your improvement. 

The feeling of earning a new belt in BJJ is a feeling of great accomplishment; it can give you natural confidence you’ll exude in your daily life. As your skills develop, your self-belief will increase ten-fold.

4. Greater Sense of Community

Some training in martial arts can be done alone, but most training you do will with a partner or in a class setting. This means exposure to a new community and friendly faces. 

Many people say it’s difficult to make friends as an adult, but martial arts classes allow you to break the ice by discussing a common interest. Every class you’ll be meeting new people, getting to know regular classmates, and building a new family.

5. Learn Self-Defense

No one wants to be the victim of an attack, but martial arts can allow you to learn how to protect yourself in case the worst should happen. You’ll have a greater sense of calm, clarity, and focus in the face of danger that helps you de-escalate situations and defend yourself if you must.

Start Practicing Martial Arts Today 

While martial arts might be intimidating at first, as soon as you step into the gym, your coach and teammates will make you feel welcome and get you up to speed. Many people say that starting martial arts was the most enriching and positive choice they made in their lives!

At the very least, it’s worth a try. We’re willing to bet you’ll be hooked. 

If you enjoyed learning about martial arts, you’re sure to love our other content. Check out our blog for more advice!