The disciplined nature of martial arts teachings promotes a deep sense of self-discipline. One can’t become a genuine black belt immediately, and so students are taught that their goals will require hard work, patience, and dedication, which should be expected to last several years, if not life. It is clear that if something is worth it, then you should work hard for it.
How are Martial Artists Rewarded?
Martial arts training teaches students control and concentration. In order to perform techniques correctly, students must focus intently on their task at hand. The added self-confidence and concentration gained through training can even help kids with ADD.
Discipline is all about doing what you need to do, even when you don’t want to do it. Martial arts instills such discipline by showing the rewards for the hard work endured and doing those extra few steps, like pushing yourself a bit further.
Martial artists feel a strong sense of camaraderie or friendship with their fellow students. This feeling is based on mutual experiences and passing the challenges that they meet together. Learning martial arts is a privilege and students should show humbleness, patience, and honesty to themselves, their opponents, and their instructors.
Martial arts training also build self-esteem by providing challenges that helps build character. Students learn that they can overcome the obstacles presented as they improve in their training. Students have said that before they began training, they were amazed by the seemingly superhuman accomplishments that other students were able to achieve. Yet just after a short time, they advance to a level where they previously thought impossible.
When challenges are met and surpassed, students feel a rush of pride in themselves and their newly learned capabilities. This pride and confidence enables them to interact better with others and to also respond better to situations that involve conflict.
In spite of the routine, almost all martial arts styles teach students to value age, rank, expertise, and experience. Showing respect shows that you are worthy of their teaching and willing to accept their knowledge. This respect for instructors and fellow students can often carry over to the workplace or academic classroom settings, where pupils use their comprehension abilities to advance their productivity and education.
When practicing martial arts, students tend to shout or grunt. This is not a form of intimidation, but merely a breathing technique used to control ones stamina. It could also be interpreted as a method serving to release the student’s tension and nervous energy.
Meditation is often part of a martial artists curriculum as well. Teaching the mind to reach a calm, empty state, allows the martial artist to relax completely. This inner peace can be a result of experiencing stressful situations and overcoming them. So having that inner peace also brings a happier way of life at home and in social gatherings.