DIA Blog 018 - 7 AWESOME THINGS You Can Learn From Studying Martial Arts

by H8R

Be sure to check out our episode about martial arts!

Everyone knows something about martial arts, right? Whether you practiced judo, watched someone break bricks in karate, or like to watch actions movies like John Wick, martial artists have captivated the imaginations of people all over the world.

The martial arts we see in movies and TV show looks cool, but there is a whole lot more to living a "martial" lifestyle than flashy kicks and lightning fast combo attacks.

More than learning simply how to punch and kick, the time spent in the dojo or gym teaches us a lot about ourselves and others. We can find our strengths and weaknesses. We can also join a like-minded group of individuals who strive to be more and do better in life.

As someone who has practiced martial arts for over 10 years, here is my list of 7 AWESOME THINGS you can learn from studying martial arts.

How to be confident

Mastering something and gaining skill brings about a certain level of confidence.

It could be the increased physical power or perhaps the realization that you can probably handle yourself in most situations, but people who have seriously practiced martial arts for a long time have a certain aura about them.

They aren't timid like the guy who's afraid to get beat up. They aren't loud and in your face like the guy who's trying to act tough.

Maybe it's just constantly having people trying to take you down that makes the other problems of everyday life look kinda silly.

How to have discipline

In my opinion, any good dojo needs discipline. Discipline comes from consistency in practice and practicing consistently well. It also comes from having high standards for yourself and holding others to them.

Much like the speech by Navy SEAL William H. McRaven, mastering simple tasks leads to taking on greater challenges and growing as a person.

The discipline it takes to practice something regularly and to check your emotions in the middle of a heated practice go a long way to helping you deal with the ups and downs of life. Whatever gets thrown at you, you can be ready!

How to listen

If you don't listen in a martial arts class, you are probably going to get your ass kicked, literally. 

When the instructor is talking, you should be listening.

Carry this practice over into other parts of your life and you'll find that you have a better attention span than others and can retain more pertinent information that others often miss.

It's always good to listen like your life depends on it because in the past it really did!

How to follow

Sometimes it seems that everyone is so busy trying to do their own thing that they don't really follow the lead of the group and sometimes do something counterproductive to an organization's goals.

Following is a skill and it's one that can be tough to learn for some.

By learning to follow through martial arts, you'll find that you become an asset to any organization. Being ready to listen to and follow directions and then carry them out as instructed are some of the basic building blocks of an ideal employee/business partner.

How to lead

People have often said that if you want to lead, you first have to learn how to follow.

By following the leader of a martial arts class, you can get a good example of what it means to be a leader.

The best schools often give their students chances to teach others or to lead parts of the class.

While some may fold under pressure the first time they're asked to do something like this, after time people can certainly rise to the occasion and surprise themselves with their leadership abilities.

My karate sensei often said, "You have to be a strong leader in class. Would you follow yourself into battle?" If the answer to that question is no, then you need to step it up!

How to keep calm under pressure

This can be an invaluable skill in many situations. The type of person who can hold it together while everyone else is running around in a panic is a great asset to any group.

Waiting for people to potentially throw punches and kicks your way only for you to dodge and deflect them by mere centimeters can teach you a lot about yourself and what you're capable of.

Keep practicing and most situations won't get to you!

How to practice attention to detail

In martial arts practice, the difference between mediocrity and mastery is in the details. The flick of the wrist, a turn of the hand, or a twist of the waist can have a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of your technique.

Depending on the teacher, some of these final details may be taught to you in detail. Others will simply demonstrate and YOU have to find these hidden gems on your own.

Attention to detail is another sought after skill in today's world of digital distractions and ever-shortening attention spans.

Slow down, take things in, and amaze everyone with your ability to notice what others don't even know is there.

That's it!

Consistent martial arts practice goes a long way to sharpening your senses and making your ready for all types of situations. 

As you progress in your practice, remember that it's important to never overestimate (or underestimate) your abilities. 

As Sun Tzu said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." 

Practicing martial arts is a great way to get to know yourself.