The Many Benefits of Martial Arts Training

Here is a list of the many benefits of martial arts training (i.e. health benefits, mental benefits and practical benefits).

Of course, please see a doctor before starting any martial arts training because training can be intense and could aggravate any underlying medical conditions (i.e. heart problems).

Health Benefits of Martial Arts Training

• Martial arts can help to improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Martial arts can help students to lose weight given the significant calorie expenditure during training.
• Martial arts can improve muscle tone.
• Martial arts utilizes a lot of stretching & warm-up exercises and this can improve flexibility.
• Martial arts utilizes a lot of conditioning exercises and this can improve a student's stamina and energy.
• Martial arts can help with stress relief as you focus on your training and forget the tension of work.
• Martial arts can help students to gain a better night's sleep because they are tired after a martial arts class.
• Martial arts can improve a person's balance as they learn different stances, kicking positions, etc.
• Martial arts can release natural endorphins which can improve a student's mood.
• Martial arts and strenuous physical activity can improve bone density or help to slow bone loss.
• Martial arts can improve coordination as students need to combine a wide variety of kicks, punches and stances in activities such as kata training, sparring, etc.
• Martial arts provides an excellent form of cross training, especially for endurance sports.

Mental Benefits of Martial Arts Training

• Martial arts can help to improve concentration as students must achieve difficult tasks (i.e. breaking a wooden board) with accuracy and power in order to avoid possible injury.
• Martial arts can improve discipline as students learn how to obey instructions and work with others.
• Martial arts can improve a student's confidence because they learn how to master difficult techniques (i.e. spinning hook kick).
• Martial arts can help with stress relief as students focus on their training and forget the tension of work.
• Martial arts can stimulate a student's mind because they have to learn new techniques, terminology, etc.
• Martial arts can reduce fear and anxiety as students learn to deal with physically stressful situations (i.e. self-defense, sparring, etc.).

Practical Benefits of Martial Arts Training

• Martial arts can provide self-defense training.
• Martial arts can improve a student's muscular strength and power via a variety of strength training programs.
• Martial arts can help students to make new friends as they share the camaraderie of training and practice.
• Martial arts can be lots of fun!

References

1. Taekwondo Animals.com, Taekwondo Health Benefits, http://www.taekwondoanimals.com/taekwondo-health-benefits.asp, Added - 03/30/14
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Benefits of Physical Activity, http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/, Added - 03/30/14
3. Mayo Clinic, 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389, Added - 03/30/14
4. Full Potential Martial Arts, Resources: About Fitness, http://www.fullpotentialma.com/resources/about-fitness/, Added - 06/29/14