# data[].attributes.body
Attention Getter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Western media has always been saturated with images of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, but what we don't hear about as often is the relation between Islam and martial arts. The early trade that led to a great relationship between Arab Muslims and the Chinese acted as a pivotal role in the spread of Islam in the far east as well as cementing the Muslim-Chinese identity. Dating back to the 1200s, the roles early Chinese Muslims played in military leadership positions form the beginning of this most unique connection.

Islam in China is well documented with the Hui people acting as the largest Muslim minority within the country. From approximately 19 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ a relationship between China and Arabia was already in place. It was the third Khalifah (Caliph) 'Uthman who initiated the first conscious efforts to spread Islam in the region, with subsequent trade missions also contributing to the spread of Islam.

The Hui Muslims came from this lineage, a unification of Arabia and China to form this unique position of authentic Chinese culture, infused with the Islamic tradition, the likes of which can still be seen to this day in various parts of the country, though mostly concentrated in the northwestern parts of China. The practice of martial arts still takes place in various Masajid (mosques) around the country, with Islamic sciences being taught at the same time.

Not only did martial arts combine with practical aspects of defence for long seafaring trade missions, but it also was a spiritual tool of many Muslim masters. The need for self-control and restraint reflect in both martial arts and traditional Islamic teachings.

The concept of Islamic self-control was used by martial art masters in the physical realm as well. With practitioners putting emphasis on both spiritual and physical aspects of training. The need for calm and collected decision making is a tradition upheld by Muslims, as seen in the tradition of The Prophet ﷺ, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." The essence of Ijtihad (diligence) in maintaining self-discipline is integral in both paths.

Various art forms such as Silat and Wushu have been perfected by Muslims of the last few hundred years, with many original martial arts being either created or adapted by Muslims as well, such as Zhaquan andPiguquan. These original developments were tools that were created often by army officials or to safeguard Muslims in China, being passed down in secret through generations.

In the history of this marriage between martial arts and Islam, there are many names to consider. We can see examples of masters such as Wang Zi Ping (1881 - 1973) and Chang Tung Sheng (1908 - 1986) who trained in their discipline while retaining their faith and using it as a means to come closer to Allah and the teachings of their religion.

Master Wang Zi Ping, acknowledged as a master of Wushu was also a learned man in relation to the Religion. He was known to lift heavy stones while reciting the Qur'an. A notable story tells of his opposition to German forces who attempted to obtain the doors of Qinzhou masjid that was inscribed with the history of the Muslims in China. Master Wang was not one to let a priceless part of Muslim identity be taken away, and so challenged the soldiers to a weight lifting competition and subsequently won.

A master of various other disciplines, Wang Zi Ping was an inspiration to people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. His mastery of a variety of martial arts allowed him to gain victory over various foreign opponents, leading to a great following of students, thus also spreading Islam amongst Chinese people.

In reality, martial arts and the Islamic tradition share a unique bond and history that within them both contain means to achieve a greater purpose. Acting as reflections of each other, the history of Islam in China led to the expansion of the Religion to the far eastern corners of the world, and the practical nature of martial arts helped defend this tradition in a way that kept the uniqueness of Chinese culture, with the absoluteness of the religion of Islam.

Amjid Ali is Wing Chun instructor and also a practising Muslim. In the video below he relates his journey of learning, from travelling to Hong Kong and training with legendary martial artist Ip Man and close friends of the late Bruce Lee. He provides an interesting insight into the similarities between Islamic and martial art teachings.

Enjoy this Article? Please feel free to share it on your social media, Also don't forget to give us some feedback. We are onFB , Twitter and Instagram!

You May Have Missed..

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Islam and Martial Arts: China's Hui Muslim Tradition - Bahath | Islamic Online Magazine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Western media has always been saturated with images of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, but what we don't hear about as often is the relation between Islam and martial arts.

# data[].attributes.body
Central Idea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The martial artist commits to the discipline out of love for it. The practitioner is beyond fighting. The true meaning of the martial arts lays in the student's personal quest to evolve into the best martial artist they can be.

The martial arts take the student on a lifelong journey toward self-improvement of mind, body, and soul. The practitioner is challenged mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The sport is all-encompassing and leaves the student with a profound sense of belief in self.

The Literal Meaning

Fighting is not the aim of the martial arts, although the word "martial" has linguistic roots in the Latin word "Martialis" (which refers to the God of War in Roman mythology). Upon closer inspection of the Chinese character "mu" that is translated into the word "martial," a different conclusion arises.

The Chinese character "mu" literally means "to stop fighting" or "to put down weapons." The word "arts" in martial arts points to skill, expression of beauty or creativity. The combination "martial arts" may be interpreted to mean ending conflict skillfully. Peace is the ultimate goal of the martial arts.

Improve the Mind

Practicing the martial arts takes the student down a path toward mental improvement. We grow confidence, attain mental strength, and develop courage, tenacity, humility, compassion and kindness. The student enhances their character, developing honor, discipline, integrity, a work ethic, and respect.

The martial arts student forms bonds with fellow students. Working in a team environment, the martial artists build friendships and reach their full potential together. Despite titles, social status, education or wealth, all martial artists are equal when they face an opponent.

Conquering adversities in life lays behind the true meaning of the martial arts. Students develop a type of "warrior spirit" that empowers them to face life's adversities without breaking. Weaknesses are transformed into strengths, and fears turn into courage through the martial arts.

Develop Principles

Martial arts students embrace four guiding principles that enhance their daily lives. The principle of non-resistance, the principle of accommodation, the principle of balance and the principle of natural order give practitioners a definite path to follow every day of life.

Non-Resistance. Rather than passivity, the principle of non-resistance promotes working in harmony with nature. Students cultivate sensitivity and discernment to naturally flow with life's forces. In applying this principle, the martial artist's opponent becomes a teacher who reveals the student's weaknesses.

Accommodation. The principle of accommodation embraces progressive overload, which simply means challenging oneself further after each accomplishment. Students push themselves to attain larger life goals. The martial arts student recognizes that growth is gradual and takes time. Rushing toward progress risks failure.

Balance. The principle of balance also lends to the meaning of the martial arts. The student moves neither too fast nor too slowly; is neither aggressive nor tentative. They understand the reality of both good days and bad ones, which helps them to realize a balance in life.

Natural Order. Many natural processes have an order, and this is the central concept behind the principle of natural order. Summer always follows spring, for example. Similarly, the martial artist recognizes that progress cannot be rushed and learns to avoid forcing his body to perform more than what it is capable.

Train the Body

The martial artist's physical body undergoes rigorous training as equally as his mind. The athleticism developed through martial arts training is a result of engaging the entire body to build incredible strength and endurance. Speed and flexibility are also enhanced.

Martial arts students who commit to training jump higher, kick harder and punch faster. Hand-eye coordination improves. The clumsiness of the beginner student turns into deliberate, pointed actions in the intermediate and advanced students. Physical movements become smooth and effortless.

Physical power is a great equalizer and can be the difference between a triumphant win or crippling loss. This is true whether the martial arts practitioner is combating an opponent in the ring or handling a real-life scenario outside of it. The martial arts increase a student's overall power.

Develop Character

Wisdom and patience is necessary to end conflict, and this is true especially for the martial artist. Making good decisions and consciously applying the appropriate techniques and learned skills to end conflict is a hallmark of the experienced martial artist. Students learn to think before they act.

Summoning bravery in the face of fear is at the heart of being a martial artist. Confronting fear leads to confidence in the martial arts practitioner. Without having the need to prove oneself, the martial artist encourages acceptance and peace.

Life-threatening situations are easier to handle for the martial artist with confidence. Rather than remain frozen and helpless, the practitioner is calm and thinks with clarity in order to arrive at solutions. The student with confidence knows he can either reduce the conflict or make it worse.

As is apparent, the true meaning behind the martial arts is less about fighting and more about developing oneself to one's ultimate potential. The philosophies and practices that drive the martial artist are lifelong; the student benefits from all that makes the martial arts the discipline it is.

When you or your child are ready to experience the many advantages of learning and practicing the martial arts, look to Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts for group classes and personal training. Students develop mental and physical strength and learn invaluable self-defense techniques.

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts offers a range of martial arts for kids and martial arts for adults to meet the preferences and interests of students. Our internationally certified instructors teach karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, hapkido, judo, kumdo and ancient weapons, along with other disciplines.

Contact Us

Martial arts students train to become their best. By taking self-defense classes at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, you will continuously challenge yourself and develop your potential.
Families and individuals living -in the communities of Oak Park, Illinois, are encouraged to contact us for martial arts and self-defense classes at 708-383-3456.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is the True Meaning of Martial Arts? | Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The martial artist commits to the discipline out of love for it. The practitioner is beyond fighting. The true meaning of the martial arts lays in the student's personal quest to evolve into the best martial artist they can be. The martial arts take the student on a lifelong journey toward self-improvement of mind, body, and soul.

# data[].attributes.body
Need (A)

# data[].attributes.body
Need (B)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KUALA LUMPUR: By 2020, mental illness is expected to be the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians after heart disease.

According to the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey, every three in 10 adults aged 16 years and above in Malaysia suffer from some form of mental health issues.

Unfortunately, there is still a lack of understanding on the disease especially in terms of common mental disorders, the causes and possible consequences as well as recognising the early signs of major mental problems.

There is also a strong social stigma associated with mental illness, from a cultural stand-point shaped by superstitious belief and misconception.

This negative perception often leads patients with mental illness to suffer in silence, often ostracised by society with little hope of acceptance let alone recovery.
WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS?
The laymen equate mental illness with 'madness', and often overlook the symptoms of the disease. Mental illness is actually a medical condition.

It is a common disease that affects a person's thinking, emotion, behaviour and also causes functional impairment.

A Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia Dr Michael Ang Jin Kiat said the disease could take many forms and the most severe and common mental illness include schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

"Schizophrenia is a mental illness that triggers hallucinations and delusions. While hallucinations refer to a sensory perception in the absence of a stimuli, delusion is a false and fixed belief.

"The most common form of hallucinations is the auditory hallucination which also known as 'paracusia', the perceptions of hearing sounds without identifiable external stimuli," he said during a workshop on First Aid for Mental Health Emergencies initiated by Pfizer Malaysia here, recently.

In his presentation on the topic of Understanding Mental Illness, Dr Michael also said that globally, about 40{b25d52d27e36f61acdb6c40849bc67c037757a3ee03cdaec9d99df8f149b3319} of patients with schizophrenia attempted suicide with 10{b25d52d27e36f61acdb6c40849bc67c037757a3ee03cdaec9d99df8f149b3319} of them dying from suicide.

Explaining on major depressive disorder or depression, he said the disease is closely related with a feeling of sadness, worthlessness or guilty which can affect someone to lose interest in their routine activities.

"Depression can lead someone to go through changes in their appetites and sleeping habits, feeling fatigue, slow in thinking or movement, as well as reduction in concentration.

"It can happen to anyone and it is not a sign of weakness, but the failure to treat the disease may lead to thoughts of dying and also suicide attempts," he elaborated.

Touching on bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, he said the disease might cause patients to have intense emotional state resulting in unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out every day tasks.
HOW SERIOUS?
Mental illness, like in many parts of the world, is an emerging issue in the country and should be taken seriously, said Consultant Psychiatrist at University Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC) Associate Professor Dr Ng Chong Guan. However, due to insufficient number of psychiatrists there is not much avenue for those with mental issues. The number of psychiatrists in Malaysia until March 2017 was only 381, namely from the Ministry of Health (207), Public Universities (84), Private Universities (22), Armed Forces (5) and Private Sector (63).

He said, the normal psychiatrist to population ratio is one per 10,000 but in Malaysia the ratio is 1 to 100,000 and what is more worrying is that the disease is also affecting more youngsters.

"This problem now has become more complex because it might relate to drugs, bullying and some other issues (involving youngsters) compared previously when anxiety and stress was the main cause," he said pointing to the rise in the number of youngsters with the problem.

Though the problem could be treated at least within six months by undergoing proper treatment, there is also a risk of the condition worsening or reaching serious level when not addressed accordingly.

Therefore, Ng underscored the significance of the efforts to educate the society on early recognition of mental illness as well as enabling them to take care for their own mental health.

"Public roles in helping to prevent this problem is essential. We can detect people around us acting differently or strangely, and try to assist and support them in seeking treatment.

"Most people with mental disorders realise they have some sort of abnormality inside them, but they just take pain killers rather than going for proper assessment and seek treatment from psychiatrist," he elaborated.

Ng said psychiatric care services were available in government and private hospitals, as well as private and non-government organisations such as the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA). The private hospitals where psychiatric care services are available include Hospital Bahagia, Hospital Permai, Hospital Mesra, and Hospital Sentosa.
AID FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
Meanwhile, MMHA is promoting the "first aid" for mental health which refers to a person who will become the first responder.

The association Secretary General Dr Ang Kim Teng explained that the "first aid" would play an important role in identifying signs of behavioural distress or crisis and provide assistance for mental health problem.

The first aid knowledge will provide persons with the ability to help someone with mental health problem or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis is resolved.

The initiative is a patented programme under MHFA Australia, which has since been exported under licence to over 20 countries throughout the world.

"They must be able to handle self-harm and suicidal ideas besides being able to differentiate between a medical emergency and psychological distress," she said.

Ang also added that anyone close could be the first aid provider to their family members, friends, colleagues, subordinates or students.

"Those with knowledge in first aid and on the recent events or the stresses the person has been facing are the best persons to help and not strangers," she said adding that one of the important skills is to listen with empathy.

Among services provided by MMHA includes psychosocial rehab programme, counselling service, psychotherapy service, psychiatric consultation, peer support and caregiver support. - Bernama

Read more at : http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2018/04/18/resolving-mental-illness-issues-malaysia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resolving mental illness issues in Malaysia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR: By 2020, mental illness is expected to be the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians after heart disease. According to the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey, every three in 10 adults aged 16 years and above in Malaysia suffer from some form of mental health issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Need (C)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A 2018 survey by UNICEF reported that eight out of 10 children experience bullying in school. 70% of the 2,000 students who participated in the survey stated that they have witnessed a friend being bullied based on their appearance. Bullying is a serious issue across schools in the country and if not addressed may affect students negatively in terms of mental health, academic performance, social skills and overall well-being.

Here are some important things you should know about bullying in schools.

1. There are different types of bullying

The simple definition of bullying is the infliction of repeated hurtful behaviour by a stronger individual on a weaker individual. In schools, four main types of bullying are prevalent.

Physical: This is the most well-known form of bullying which involves physical intimidation (hitting, kicking, pushing and blocking, among others). Physical bullying is commonly seen among male students.

Verbal: Individuals who verbally bully others name-call, threaten and say disrespectful things about someone's appearance, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.

Relational: This form of bullying is seen more among female students. They use exclusionary tactics such as forming cliques to prevent someone from being part of their group.

Cyber: Cyberbullying is rampant as most students own mobile devices which connect to the Internet. It involves harassing and embarrassing others by spreading rumours, lies and inappropriate photos through text messages and social media posts.

2. Ways to identify a bully

According to Ellis Lee, Chief Executive of Kingsley International School, bullies commonly lack pastoral care or counselling from their parents to release their anger or emotions. Therefore, they resort to bullying to make them feel better. Generally, male bullies tend to be physically stronger than others whereas female bullies are perceived as popular in school. Some of the common characteristics of school bullies are anger management issues, lack of empathy, disregard for authority and rebellious behaviour. Bullies tend to be involved in fights or skip school often. In addition, bullies are manipulative and intimidating individuals with the ability to control others.

3. Ways to identify a victim of bullying

Both parents and educators should look out for the following signs to identify if someone has been bullied:

Physical: Unexplained cuts, scratches or bruises, missing or damaged clothes, and complaints of headaches and stomach aches.

Verbal: Withdrawn behaviour, mood swings and loss in appetite. Individuals may share something hurtful that was said about them and ask you if you think it's true.

Relational: Mood swings, not going to social events and wanting to be alone most of the time.

Cyber: Spending many hours on mobile devices but appear to be sad or anxious afterwards.

4. What schools can do to help

There are a few measures schools can take to reduce bullying in school. Counselling should be provided to both the bully and the victim. For example, Kingsley International School initiates a 'carefrontation' where the bully and the victim have an opportunity to resolve the issue at hand. Schools should also spread as much awareness as possible on bullying through class lessons and special projects. Students must be able to report bullying cases effectively and be familiar with bullying language and behaviour. Furthermore, schools should have a proper procedure in place when a bullying case is reported. Bullies should be made aware of the consequences of their actions and schools need to take necessary measures to ensure those actions are not repeated. Finally, schools should find ways to work with parents to resolve bullying cases in a constructive way without getting law enforcement involved.

5. What parents can do to help

Physical: Communicate with your child openly on what's happening at school and establish good relationships with teachers and school counsellors. It is also important to record the dates and times of the bullying incidents. Depending on the severity of the case, you may contact the school or local authorities for further action to be taken.

Verbal: Teach your children safe and constructive phrases to respond to a bully. For example, "That wasn't nice." or "Please leave me alone." in a firm tone. They should not talk back to the bully to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Relational: Encourage your children by reminding them of their good qualities and that they are always loved. You can improve their self-esteem and confidence by enrolling them in classes that reflect their interests such as music or art.

Cyber: Familiarise yourself with the apps and digital devices your children use and let them know you will be supervising their online activities. Advise them not to respond or forward any messages received due to cyberbullying.

The issue of bullying in schools should be taken seriously by schools and parents alike. Many victims still keep their attacks to themselves which prevents them from getting the help they need. All children deserve to call their school a safe place where they can learn and be the best versions of themselves.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What You Need To Know About Bullying In Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A 2018 survey by UNICEF reported that eight out of 10 children experience bullying in school. 70% of the 2,000 students who participated in the survey stated that they have witnessed a friend being bullied based on their appearance.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Practicing martial arts is undeniably beneficial to one's health, as exemplified by its many long-living and physically fit exponents. Founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Carlos and Helio Gracie both almost made it to 100, while famous kung fu masters like Wang Ziping and Du Xinwu enjoyed good health well into their 80s, thanks to the good exercise, habits, and diet that martial arts lifestyles comprise of. Today, medical research is able to thoroughly explain how and why martial arts training is a boon to its pugilists' health.
1) Organ Disease
Martial arts involves regular exercise - both the practicing of techniques and also workouts that help maintain performance levels at an optimum - as well as good posture and mobility that improve organ function. As practicing its various disciplines spikes metabolic function, martial arts is a bulwark against diabetes. These spikes of the martial artist's metabolism also help maintain a healthy heart and improve one's circulatory system, by training the heart muscles and circulatory muscles, as well as retaining the elasticity of blood vessels and mitigating potential blockages. Regular and necessary activation of essential organs, like the liver and kidney, also help maintain their function while removing toxins that might have built up, as well as older cells that can then be replaced by new ones. Lung capacity and endurance is simultaneously heightened by many martial arts' requirement to maintain steady breathing and fine form during critical scenarios and intense flurries.

"The physical benefits of martial arts are enormous," shares Dr. Eve Anwar, a doctor with the OneCare Medical Group. "It's an engaging and ever-changing challenge to one's stamina, endurance, and strength. Martial arts training builds strong muscles to support bone structure and provides an excellent cardio workout that has long-term benefits in heart health, including the prevention of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetic conditions as well as weight management."

Martial arts not only raised the confidence of once pint-sized child and later two-time No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Bruno Pucci, but also helped him gain normal metabolism and body functions. He discloses, "When I was a kid, I suffered from growth hormone deficiency. Because of this, my doctor advised that I pick up a sport as a hobby, this is how I came across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As soon as I had my first class, I was hooked. Training every day really helped my body develop, and along with the medication I was taking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped me beat the disease and become healthy."
2) Obesity
The aforementioned spiking of one's metabolism benefits an exponent even when he or she is resting, as it prompts the body to burn fat even during periods of low-level activity. Critical scenarios in martial arts that are very demanding of the human physiology and psyche also build up anaerobic respiration, which has many health benefits in the long run, including better energy levels and endurance throughout the day. Besides exercise, function, and form, martial arts is also based on the principles of self-discipline and moderation, which go a long way in forging positive eating and lifestyle habits that translate to a healthier and happier life.

Martial arts is not only beneficial for the overweight but also good for underweight individuals, which is vouched for by multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Orono Wor Petchpun. "Before starting Muay Thai, I was very frail and weak," he shares. "The owner of my first Muay Thai camp almost didn't train me because he felt I was too skinny. Once I started Muay Thai, my body started to develop and it became stronger. My overall health also got much better."
3) The Flu and Colds
Optimum metabolic function and frequent exercise work wonders for the immune system. If you have been taking multivitamins but still find yourself susceptible to influenza and the common cold, consider exercise and martial arts, which stimulate the natural production of antibodies.

"Exercise has many benefits to health and wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that aerobic exercise reduces inflammation and resistance training leads to better brain function in response inhibition or self-discipline. The anti-inflammatory effects can significantly improve symptoms of fibromyalgia (chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue)," remarks emergency doctor Dr. Tan Ker Fern. "Aerobic exercise can reduce susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, but prolonged strenuous exercise like marathons can have a counterproductive effect. By exercising, the number and function of white cells in your blood circulation improves."
4) Chronic Aches and Pains
As exercises that focus very much on functionality, martial arts is a proven countermeasure against discomfort in the bones and joints. Martial arts first emphasizes on mobility and inculcated good posture, followed by the imparting of a good range of motion. Strength in numerous major and minor muscles is gradually increased by martial arts training, as compared to other activities like running and lifting weights, which might unevenly focus on only major muscle groups. Many exponents get hooked on their training, and some even find it therapeutic - forms of catharsis that extend their health and wellness. Training all parts of the body also helps the practitioner's body better communicate with his or her consciousness: the decreased function of any part of the body helps detect and prevent possible illnesses early.

"The psychological gains are no less astounding - the confidence boost from overcoming physical challenges, the camaraderie from coaches and fellow students, and the sense of well-being from a healthy body continue to feed the positive loop that keeps warriors on the quest to achieve greater heights in their martial arts journey," divulges Dr. Anwar."

So, if you're looking for a way to keep healthy to prevent or overcome illnesses, martial arts is the perfect activity for you. Give it a go and sign up for a trial class today!

Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
4 Illnesses That Martial Arts Can Help Cure - Evolve Daily

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Practicing martial arts is undeniably beneficial to one's health, as exemplified by its many long-living and physically fit exponents. Founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Carlos and Helio Gracie both almost made it to 100, while famous kung fu masters like Wang Ziping and Du Xinwu enjoyed good health well into their 80s, thanks to the good exercise, habits, and diet that martial arts lifestyles comprise of.

# data[].attributes.body
Introduction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about."- Socrates

Mental Health America is just one of the great organizations along with celebrity mental health advocates and nationwide initiatives educating people on the importance of taking care of our mental & emotional wellness. Mental illness affects 1 in 5 people . While a professional diagnosis is key to treating serious conditions, martial arts is a physical exercise that is proven to significantly improve one's general mental well-being.

Martial arts focuses on tenets and philosophies that revolve around self-discipline, integrity and resilience which comes from within ourselves. According to Psychotherapeutic aspects of the martial arts , "MA's enhance self-esteem through the provision of physical activity and group experience, and the teaching of relaxation, concentration, assertiveness, and directiveness and honesty in communication." Obtaining a black belt is extremely challenging. Reaching the goals you set is a tremendous accomplishment and requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. Earning these different belts and rankings help students feel a sense of progress and accomplishment. Our mental agility is strengthened on this self-mastery journey.

Let's take a closer look at the 5 Benefits of Adult Martial Arts for Mental Health...

Release Your Anger

Martial Arts is an intense aerobic workout, so it's a very helpful (and fun!) way to release your anger. Kicking, punching, yelling, sweating. Research shows that martial arts training combats the harmful effects related to anger. Students learn to manage their reactions, calm their thoughts and even how to let things go.

Mindfulness

Many traditional forms of martial arts emphasize meditation and mindfulness, as well as mental strength. Not only does mindfulness decrease stress but it also benefits anyone in addiction recovery. Practicing breathing techniques inside and outside of the dojo helps calm the mind and body. Concentrating on martial arts values can help people form healthier habits , increase self-control, and reduce impulsivity.

Meeting Like-Minded People

The dojo is a great place to meet new people and belong to a supportive community. Surrounding yourself with people who are all working towards common goals (such as weight loss, learning self defense, taking up a new hobby) is an easy way to make meaningful friendships. For adults who are navigating major life transitions , just moved into a new area, or want to step outside their comfort zone, attending regular martial arts classes is a sure way to make friends. Come check out our adult kickboxing class which meets on Friday evenings at 6:30p and jumpstart your weekend with a healthy habit!

Increasing Confidence and Self-Esteem

" The psychological benefits of martial arts training have come to the attention of western psychologists over the last thirty years and in particular within the last ten years due to the rise in popularity of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). It is acknowledged that martial art training embodies a system of moral values (e.g. respect property, be faithful and sincere, exert oneself in the perfection of character), that together can inculcate physical and mental relaxation, control of mind and body, and an increase in self confidence (Weiser et al, 1995)."

When you work hard to become a better person, you'll bring physical and mental relaxation to yourself. Begin to see more opportunity in your life and less stress...

We also believe that students improve their self esteem through consistent positive verbal reinforcement from our instructors. When one masters a new skill or earns a higher belt level, their sense of achievement automatically boosts up confidence and learning to feel good about themselves!

Learning to Go with the Flow of Life

Developing a flexible mindset helps students become more accepting of life's situations. For our focus, it helps on overcoming stressful decisions in life. All of us will have periods of big changes in our lives (career, family, relationships, etc) - and how we handle these transitions on a psychological level is essential for long term success . Every martial arts class teaches the dynamics of change, response and reaction. Over time, a healthy mindset is developed and strengthened to embrace challenges and see how we are able to turn them into positive solutions!

Contact Total Impact so we can help you improve your mental well-being through Martial Arts training!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about."- Socrates Mental Health America is just one of the great organizations along with celebrity mental health advocates and nationwide initiatives educating people on the importance of taking care of our mental & emotional wellness.