Everyone who participates in martial arts shows improved confidence and better performance in school.
This is why I put together this guide with the top ten reasons you should learn martial arts.
1. Increased Confidence
Whether for you or your child, practicing martial arts boosts inner strength in ways that can be applied to all facets of the student’s life. In fact, children who participate in karate demonstrate an overall increase in poise and better academic performance than children who do not participate. So if you or your child are in need of an attitude adjustment, martial arts is where you need to be.
2. Full Workout
Looking for a new form of exercise? Martial arts is your answer as it provides a thorough body workout. Consistent practice increases overall mobility, improves your body’s response and increases muscle density. With Kenpo’s repetitive movements that combine Karate, Judo, Kung-Fu and Jiu-Jitsu, you will build intense muscle quickly, develop strength and burn fat.
3. Flexibility
Repetitive actions like high kicks, low stances, fancy footwork and mobility promise to benefit your overall health. Did you know that flexibility has many benefits? Some of them, according to Kaiser Permanente, include
- Improved posture
- Better freedom of movement
- Reduced muscle soreness and tension
- Improved relaxation of mind and body
- Reduced risk of injury
The multi-directional movement of Kenpo Karate makes it a perfect martial art for those wanting to improve flexibility. So if flexibility is your goal, you will gain it and feel better.
4. Better Coordination
All martial arts practice awareness and coordinating movement with another person. Some martial arts even include the use of props and tools. All of these factors improve the coordination and awareness of the participant’s body as well as helping the participant to be aware of the people and objects around them.
Practices like Kenpo encourage the lower part of the body to act as a base from which the upper body can maneuver and operate. This idea has been borrowed by many martial arts systems.
5. Self Defense Skills
One obvious benefit to learning martial arts is an improved ability to perform self-defense maneuvers in situations where there is a real threat. According to recent data, an aggravated assault occurs every 43 seconds in the United States. Martial arts prepares people to defend themselves in dangerous, life-threatening situations. This is ideal for you and your children.
6. Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Martial arts students have been shown to have lower blood pressure and heart rates. Because of its similarity to high intensity training, martial arts can improve overall heart health, lower cholesterol and provide more regulated blood sugar and insulin levels. Martial artists enjoy all the physical benefits of regular exercise without having to run on a treadmill or lift weights. It’s a stellar option for improving your health.
7. Improves Your Mental Stamina
Recent research shows that exercise (like martial arts) actually produced a physical change in the brain that promotes better memory and learning skills. The same study observed that a new case of dementia is observed every four seconds globally. Those who want to prevent this debilitating condition can fight it by participating in martial arts.
8. Improved Social Skills
Because it is held in a team environment, martial arts can help you develop social skills. Team members work alongside one another towards similar goals as they learn and grow together. This is especially beneficial for children in martial arts who learn skills of making new friends, conflict resolutions, leadership and showing compassion.
9. Develop Self-Discipline
By attending martial arts classes you’ll become accustomed to direction and structure. In this environment you must pay attention to the task at hand and rid your mind of distractions. It is crucial to realize that achieving your martial arts goals depends on you. No one else can do it for you. This promotes self-reliance and independence as you are the one who will invest the work that will result in growth. To be your best, you need to be dedicated and put in the effort required. As you progress, you will gain self-discipline that will enhance every aspect of your life.
10. Stress Relief
Did you know that practicing martial arts can help relieve stress? This is accomplished by focusing on the present and things you can control. Martial arts also emphasizes being in complete control of your breathing and thoughts. When you do this you are learning a skill that can be applied throughout all areas of life. When you’re more focused and confident, you will relieve yourself of stress in so many other parts of life too. Going to martial arts class will help you live with an increased mental focus and a greater appreciation for the world around you through a fun, safe and challenging workout in an encouraging environment with like-minded people.
The next step is the hardest…..coming through the door.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Ken Kellogg
7th Degree Black Belt
714-863-1955
