How Can Martial Arts Help with Mental Health?

Do you want to relieve your stress and anxiety?

Martial arts training benefits your mind, body, and soul, and can improve your mental health. For some, it boils down to a change in perspective. Before beginning training, you might view yourself a certain way. After starting training, you’ll find you’re much stronger and resilient than you imagined! By feeling more confident and in comfortable in your abilities, you may notice a positive change in your mental headspace. 

Empower Yourself Through Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Martial arts can help your mental health by empowering you. Martial arts can help you become physically and mentally strong, which can help you challenge any feelings of powerlessness or inadequacy. You can be fearless, ready to take on anything that comes your way. This empowerment can also help you process lingering trauma. By increasing your confidence, you can remove your insecurities and learn to love yourself more.

Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

Exercise in general can also help your mental health. Exercise has been shown to help those with depression because adding it to your daily routine can help you become more motivated. It also produces endorphins - mood boosting chemicals – that can lift your mood and can help with depression. Physical exercise can help you relieve muscle tension, which can contribute to anxiety, and it can divert your attention from anxious thoughts. Martial arts are especially effective for relieving stress due to their focus on breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.

See other ways martial arts can help you.

Get Started with Martial Arts in Ann Arbor

Contact JMAC today to begin practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor.

What to Expect When Beginning Martial Arts

Thinking about starting martial arts in Ann Arbor?

Don’t know what to expect?

Starting something new can make you feel uncertain and intimidated. This might be the case for new martial artists. You may feel intimidated by your talented sensei and dojo mates who will know more than you. New martial artists who succeed learn to work through this uncertainty and discomfort to become great at their craft. It’s easier than you think! All you have to do is show up to practice and be receptive.

You Don’t Have to be Unsure of Yourself When You Practice Martial arts in Ann Arbor

When beginning martial arts, you might feel unsure of yourself. Martial arts are different than other physical activities because they come from a completely different culture. Not only do you have to learn the martial art you’ve chosen, but some words in Japanese, dojo manners, and traditional customs. It’s a whole new world! This could overwhelm you and make you feel self-conscious.

You may also be unsure about your physical ability. Martial arts may seem like they are only meant for fit, young people. If you don’t fit the bill, you may think you’ll be out of place. Perfectionism is also a common struggle. If you’re not good at your martial art immediately, it may be tempting to give up.

All great martial artists have been in your shoes. The only difference is that they stuck it out and worked through their discomfort. Over time, they got the hang of the warm ups, the practice routines, and dojo culture. They listened and applied critiques from their sensei. They attended class regularly and got stronger. They didn’t compare themselves to others – only focused on their own personal goals. Overall, the key to being a successful martial artist hinges on your desire to grow and live into your potential, no matter how uncomfortable that may be at first.

See what else to expect on our website.

Ready to begin?

Contact JMAC today to begin practicing martial arts in Ann Arbor.