Seven reasons to take up a martial art in 2025
New Year. New resolutions. For some people, January can be a time of reflection and an opportunity to set new goals.
Many people will look to address their health, fitness and wellbeing. With this in mind, we look at seven ways in which martial arts can be beneficial all-round.
1. Physical Health
Health benefits of taking up martial arts include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. It is also open to people of all ages. Research has found that ‘hard’ martial arts, such as taekwondo and karate, have the potential to improve functional fitness in older adults. This includes mobility, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
South West Taekwondo Academy (SWTKD) member Barbara Wood is one such example – earning her Black Belt at the age of 75.
/www.martialjournal.com/a-75-year-old-grandmother-has-earned-her-black-belt-in-taekwondo/
She told Martial Journal: “It not only helps to keep you physically fit, but mentally sharp too.”
2. Mental health Indeed, martial arts have been found to engage the mind and have therapeutic benefits.
Studies have found martial arts can have a positive impact on mental health – and it has been credited with enhancing self-esteem, self-control, mental and physical relaxation, as well as decreasing anxiety and depression. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6440068/#:~:text=Martial%20arts%20are%20credited%20with,%2C%20%26%20Weiser%2C%201995).
3. Behaviour
Martial arts are also linked with greater emotional stability and assertiveness and reductions in aggression and violent behaviour.
It has been found to have benefits for children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, as well as improving social skills among those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
https://uobrep.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10547/558812/The%20benefits%20of%20using%20traditional%20martial%20arts.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946721000337
Most martial arts tend to emphasize the importance of discipline, respect and self-control – and in turn this has been found to reduce the occurrence of aggression and bullying.
A study found that, compared to other competitive sports, martial arts based on moral discipline have the advantage of regulating individual behaviour and reduce involvement in school bullying. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375496344_Self-control_aggression_and_bullying_of_martial_arts_practitioners_and_non-martial_arts_practitioners_A_comparative_study_and_factor_analysis
SWTKD Instructor Master Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder, said: “When I started taekwondo, I was a small, geeky child who got bullied. Taekwondo helped to build a new friend group, which in turn allowed my confidence to grow.”
4. Confidence
This brings us to confidence, which tends to develop through martial arts training. It is also said to improve self-esteem and resilience.
https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjep.12422
Gavin Reader, who is an NHS project manager and trained paramedic, has been a sports coach for over 20 years and instructs at SWTKD.
He has witnessed first-hand how taekwondo develops students’ confidence and resilience, along with physical and mental strength.
Gavin, a 3rd degree Black Belt, who took up Taekwondo when his young daughters started, said: “I’ve seen children come to the club and in a relatively short space of time, become much more confident in themselves.
“As a parent, I think it’s a great way to help your child build resilience and self-esteem, while improving their health and wellbeing.”
5. Self-defence skills
Martial arts date back thousands of years where combat styles were used for training in warfare and self-defense.
Though practitioners may debate which style is more effective, martial arts generally help students learn how to better defend themselves.
6. Goal setting
Martial arts encourage students to set goals – from learning or improving a new technique to belt promotion to taking part in competitions.
Master Buxton, who is also a master violinist, said: “I think taekwondo is great for all walks of life, both adult and children. It allows people to achieve goals, no matter how large or small.”
7. Fun
And, of course, it’s fun. Most of the time. There is the social side – which Mr Buxton described as creating ‘lasting friendships’, while Barbara added: “We take class seriously but have a laugh too.”
Finding the right martial arts club can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Start by defining your goals: self-defense, fitness, discipline, or competition? Online searches using keywords like “local martial arts” or ” [karate, taekwondo or kickboxing ] near me” are a great starting point. Check local community centres, gyms, and dojos. Don’t just rely on websites; look for reviews and testimonials. Visiting potential clubs is crucial. Observe a class, talk to the instructor, and ask about their teaching philosophy, class schedule, and fees.
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