What can Martial Arts Training do for me?

By Faralee Wilson, BA, CSEP-CPT, MFC Trainer/Evaluator/Instructor
Coordinator Fitness & Programs, Recreation Services at the University of Manitoba

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Is your fitness routine getting monotonous? Are you hitting a plateau? Are you looking for something different to try? Adding a Martial Art to your repertoire of skills may be the answer.

What can you expect from a Martial Arts program? There are differences between each discipline but also many commonalities. Here are some of the many benefits of trying a martial arts program.

Adapt to a new set of movements

Whenever you try something new, your body has to work in ways it hasn’t before, and this is no exception with martial arts.  Your muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, coordination and dexterity are challenged differently than in the gym. The training and mastering of new skills will change your body, improve your self-confidence and challenge your mind!

Learning to deal with stress

You face difficulties and challenges every day, and how you learn to cope with stress is a skill that can be acquired from martial art training. Learning to control your reactions to stressors and knowing how to manage stressful situations gives you back your power. When you walk into a martial arts training room, you leave all outside noise and problems at the door and focus on the tasks in front of you. When class is done, those stressors and your ability to deal with them are changed for the better.

Learn self-defence

No matter your size, martial arts are for everyone. Many martial arts disciplines are self-defence focused – not only will you get a total body workout, but you will learn valuable skills to defend yourself if the need arises.

Years of passed down traditions

Martial arts are steeped in tradition that has been passed down from teacher to student for many years. Going in with an open mind about what the instructors are sharing will only enhance your experience. You will likely come out of your class, learning unexpected lessons about yourself and your capacities.

Challenge yourself to improve

These are contact sports, so you may get a bump or a bruise on occasion, but the purpose of practicing your martial art is to get better, so the bumps and bruises happen less often. Most martial arts have levels or progressions incorporated into their tradition. The better you get, the higher the ranking you can earn.

Become part of a community

Studying a martial art takes time, commitment and practice to see results. Just like a fitness routine, consistency is vital. You will become apart of a community both in the broad martial arts sense and in your specific discipline. You will find comradery, trust and respect between the instructors and participants.

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Interested? The University of Manitoba Recreation Services Martial Arts Training Academy offers numerous disciplines for members and non-members alike, including Aikido, Boxing, Capoeira, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Offenberger Muay Thai and Tai Chi. For more information, visit the Martial Arts Training Academy program page.