Martial Arts Training

Martial Arts Training

We must remember that martial arts was developed in a kill or be killed environment.  Inevitably, competition and the mentality to overpower an opponent are prevalent.  However, to defeat an opponent is easier said than done.  Hence, to train and develop ones capabilities, talents and skills becomes imperative.

Martial arts practitioners subject themselves to rigorous training and they do it regularly.  Some train for 1 to 3 hours a day every day.  The martial arts training one gets is designed to develop the physical condition of the individual.  Much attention and study has been done to determine the aspects of a fight than can determine its outcome.  Failure to address these aspects can result to a loss.  On the other hand, considering them properly increases a combatant’s chances to win.  These aspects are speed, stamina, strength, decisiveness and concentration.  Thus, martial arts trainings are designed to enhance the practitioner’s capacity in these areas.

For example, since Muay Thai (Thailand kickboxing) is focused on kicking, practitioners train by hitting targets with their shins.  They practice blocking kicks with their forearms.  All in all, they undergo routines that increase stamina, endurance, speed and strength.  They train everyday over a substantial period of time.  Their bones become denser, muscles more flexible and can exert more pressure and their respiratory system is at its peak.

Practitioners not only train physically but also mentally.  They practice meditative skills which improve their focus and concentration.  Over time, they become sharper in mind and in body.

Martial arts training are obviously physically and mentally beneficial.  There is no argument in that.  However, there are other benefits of martial arts training that are obscure to us.  A study conducted by Paul Adam Swiercz reveals that martial arts training do have medical and psychological benefits.  While he admitted that how these benefits actually take place cannot be exactly defined yet, there is also no denying that they do take place.  Tests are done on the elderly and the youth.  Studies show that the elderly who practice Tai Chi (soft martial art which originated in China), Taekwondo and Qigong have lower blood pressures, better cardiovascular capacities, and better balancing ability and are stronger compared to those who have a sedentary lifestyle.  Tai Chi practitioners have reduced insomnia, nightmares and are less angry.  Even many psychologists admit that martial arts can be a very helpful form of psychotherapy.

According to Paul, if drug manufacturers were not so powerful in America, maybe the health benefits of martial would be more readily accepted.  Overall, studies have verified that properly practiced martial arts training can bring about positive physical and psychological changes.  We may not yet fully comprehend it, as to how these benefits are brought about, but there is certainly no denying the benefits of martial arts training.