Martial arts
Martial arts in ancient times were developed for use on the battlefield and many people learn the skills for self-defense.
Many studies have showed the health benefits of martial arts which encompasses physical, mental and social aspects.
These include:
- Self confidence
- mood
- Responsibility and honesty
- improved communication
- increasing anaerobic capacity
- muscle strength
- balance
- flexibility
In addition, moderate or vigorous aerobic intensity, improved cardiovascular fitness usually by participating in three to four training sessions per week.
Training needs to follow the principles of aerobic training which involve large muscle groups, long duration and repetitiveness with a regular pace.
Hard style training involves most major muscles and it is an aerobic exercise which helps in weight reduction.
Practitioners also have greater bone mineral density compared to people with sedentary lifestyle.
Other physical benefits include lower blood pressure, better flexibility, balance and fall prevention
Apart from physical health, mental health benefits are also widely reported in martial arts studies. Long term participation could increase self-esteem, improve management of aggression, feelings of vulnerability and fear, facilitate mood and mental performance and concentration, decrease sleep disturbance, depression, tension, stress, anxiety and hostility.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is of Korean origin which means the art of kicking, punching and blocking and it is also a way of life placing emphasis on development of character . Taekwondo practitioners
engage in repertoire of kicks which involves much energy and agility to execute making it very effective for burning calories. It Improves reaction times and psychological well-being in young people and there is solid evidence to support the beneficial effects of TKD training in improving body balance and sensory organization.
There are physical benefits, such as improving flexibility , muscular strength, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, body composition and bone mineral density . Some studies have suggested that TKD is an effective exercise for children with developmental disorders such as seen in Down syndrome etc.
Karate
Practitioners have similar benefits like taekwondo such as improving
focus and discipline in children, and helping mentally challenged children. Helps to reduce weight and relieve stress
Wrestling
Wrestling improves participant’s physical fitness including speed,
agility , muscular endurance, strength stamina and flexibility in addition
to mental development, affective domain including courage,
perseverance, self-control and sportsmanship. Judo has similar
benefits as wrestling.
Other martial arts with marvelous health benefits include the following, Muaythai, MMA, Boxing, kungfu, silat and many more.
