It's all Physical and Psychological (P'n'P). Have you ever asked yourself why all genuine martial artists are well-balanced? I stated 'genuine' only because a handful actually follows through P'n'P aspects and become subject matter experts. You realistically begin your training after receiving your Black Belt, anything prior is simply pre-training.
Karate-Dō has proven to me to have physical and mental benefits. This Asian Martial Arts system delivers various means of self-improvement. It promotes a healthier way of life. The discipline encourages you to give back to society. Physical and psychological areas are constantly being developed as you progress through your goals. This combination of self-development allow us to become a better athlete and a better person.
I believe our lovely nation (Australia) has become increasingly interested in the Martial Arts subject. We are finally beginning to realise all the wonderful benefits it has to offer. Just some of my thoughts below:
Physical Benefits
- Ability to defend yourself and others
- Cardiovascular improvements
- Improves body balance and co-ordination
- Improves reflexes and speed
- Improves weight control for better overall fitness
- Increases flexibility and agility
- Increases performance in all physical activities
- Increases strength, fitness, endurance and stamina
Psychological Benefits
- Become less impulsive
- Become mentally prepared
- Become more disciplined
- Become more subjective
- Being humble
- Better emotional control
- Build commitment
- Build self-confidence
- Calmness
- Combat stress and anxiety
- Feeling of inner security
- Improve concentration
- Improve self-control
- Increase your instincts
- Make clearer thoughts and decisions
- Perform under pressure
- Reduce aggression
The P 'n' P Benefits of Martial Arts
The P 'n' P Benefits of Martial Arts
As a practitioner of Martial Arts (Shōtōkan Karate & Muay Thai), I can vouch that when practicing Martial Arts in a correct way, you will definitely gain various physical benefits and feel positive psychological effects.
Although everyone's journey and development is different, I believe there are three factors which are inevitable in our Martial Arts journey:
- Beginning - this is where you begin your journey and start to blossom over time.
- Peak - this is where you reach your absolute greatest physical potential and thrive.
- Ending - although our physical capacity will decrease naturally with age, our mental knowledge and wisdom can still continue to grow.
I believe four of the most beneficial psychological outcomes of Martial Arts training is the increase in Confidence, Control, Commitment and Concentration (4C's). While you can use karate or any other style to defend yourself when necessary, the higher end goal is not to fight those who argue or disagree with us, but to improve oneself as a person.
Martial Arts training can therefore be effective in producing positive social and psychological changes as practitioners may notice a drop in levels of stress, aggression and anxiety. As well as an increase of independence, self-reliance, and self-confidence etc.
