The Advantages of Martial Arts Training for Women

Practicing martial arts shapes, strengthens and tones more than just the body: it transforms the mind and spirit as well. So Many who attend our self-defense classes for women begin a quest for physical strength and stamina but evolve into a dramatic reshaping of the self from inside out. Imagine being in the best physical shape of your life while feeling peaceful, determined, and centered. Imagine watching your body transform into a balanced, toned machine while knowing you’ve embarked on a lifetime journey of self-improvement. These are the joys of practicing martial arts.

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Martial Arts Practice For Ann Arbor Women

It can be intimidating to try a new fitness technique, especially something as intense as martial arts. Most of us are hesitant to step out of our comfort zone, but we also recognize that the rewards may be worth the initial discomfort. Everyone, whether six or sixty, is a beginner when they start. Beginning a martial arts class can lead to a lifetime of self-improvement.

Many women who take on the challenges of martial arts get started to add variety to their exercise routine. Another common reason is to build self-defense skills. Martial arts practice is sure to aid both those goals. But it’s also much more. Martial arts instills discipline, confidence, and control. Women who practice martial arts report increased mindfulness, focus, and emotional mastery.

Interested in getting stronger, more confident, and better balanced? Keep reading on our website!

This is how to get your ass in gear!

Ok, so maybe some Jujitsu got your ass in gear, but you’re having trouble staying motivated through the week. It’s all too easy to have burst of motivation, have a good workout, but be a couch potato for the rest of the week!

If a little bit of Jujitsu isn’t cutting it, here are some tried-and-true tips on staying motivated!

• Reward yourself! Nobody’s saying that you can’t ever eat that bowl of ice cream. But you shouldn’t just eat it absent mindedly, either. When you meet a goal, don’t be afraid to reward yourself. But you should feel like you earned it, too! So eat some ice cream, but only after you’ve worked out for the day!
• Break it down! If you set yourself an optimistic goal, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Maybe you want to bench press more, or lose some weight. Instead of telling yourself that you want to bench press 300 lbs. or lose 20, break those down into reasonable goals that you can measure over time. Tell yourself that in a month you’ll increase your max by 20 lbs. or that in a month, you’ll have lost 5 lbs. Once you’ve achieved that, keep going!
• Do something new! Everyone gets stuck in a rut sometimes and it can be hard to overcome bad habits. Maybe take a weekend trip to somewhere you’ve never been before, try a new recipe, or rearrange your room. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, but little signs that something is different can be psychological cues that allow you to break into new and better habits! Suino Sensei’s book is full of ideas just like this!
• Make a list! Have a lot to get done? Sometimes it’s the simplest things that work the best. Try it sometime, really! You might be surprised at how getting something out of your head and putting it down on paper can hold you accountable.

Try these out, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel and how much more you get done!

For more tips like this, keep reading on our website! 

Getting Motivated in Quarantine!

A while ago, Suino Sensei wrote a book called 101 Ideas to Kick Your Ass Into Gear. It’s got some great advice for getting out of funks and getting motivated. This won’t come as a surprise to martial artists, but something that can really kick your ass into gear is martial arts training! Here’s an excerpt from Suino Sensei’s book:

I imagine taking a martial arts class will also get you LITERALLY kicked in the ass on occasion, but the fact is that when pursued with the right teacher, and with the right attitude of discipline and commitment to the timeless values of an evolved martial art, the results will be as much a kick to the head as to the other end of your body. Few activities will hone your mind, spirit, and body in the way that focused martial arts study will. Plus you can make sound effects!

Jujitsu is based on grappling, and it might seem counterintuitive to practice this at home. After all, the whole point is that you grapple with someone!

Believe it or not, there are many Jujitsu skills that can be practiced at home, like falling properly, katas, strikes, and more. If you didn’t already know, JMAC has been streaming Jujitsu during quarantine, practicing just these things!

Martial arts can be energizing, but maybe you’re at home and having trouble getting motivated. If that’s the case—check out our tips for getting the most out of your at-home workout!

JMAC Offers Great At-Home Workouts!

Here's our latest tip on getting the most from your home workout!

     Eliminate distractions! When we have online lessons, it can be funny if someone’s cat walks across their screen. We all love pets—but kitty can probably wait until you’re done practicing! Go somewhere without your pets, put away your phone, and let your family or roommates know that for the next 30 minutes, you’re practicing martial arts! After all, mom isn’t interrupting you every 5 minutes at the dojo!

    Keep reading for more tips at our website!

Getting the Most from Your At-Home Workout

Many of us are working out at home during the emergency shutdown. We've compiled a list of tips to help you get the most out of your workout!

·     Dress for success! Put on your martial arts uniform before you practice. If you’re doing our at-home bootcamp exercise, put on whatever athletic wear you’d normally wear to the gym. It might seem silly if you’re not at the dojo, but by putting on the uniform, you’re telling yourself that this time you’re setting aside is special. If you’ve just been sitting around in your sweats all day, it makes a big difference to change into your uniform! 

      

     Check out our website for more great tips!