When I first decided to train Muay Thai and start my Martial Arts journey I had no idea what to expect. Looking back on that first Muay Thai class years later I can proudly say that starting Martial Arts was the best decision of my life. Everyone always asks me why I study Martial Arts and I always tell them the same thing: I’m obsessed. This wasn’t an overnight obsession however, there were many bumps and bruises (literally) on my journey. There are so many reasons why YOU should study Martial Arts that I had to compile a list of my 10 favorite things to help persuade you even more.

If you have any doubts regarding the safety aspect of training Martial Arts, look no further. Training Martial Arts has its dangers (just like every other sport does), however it’s much safer to practice Martial Arts when compared to soccer or football. It all depends on what Martial Art you choose to study. Of course if you train Boxing and spar three times a week you’re much more likely to get injured when compared to someone who trains Karate with no contact at all.

If you’re not sure which Martial Art to start training first, click on this link and visit our article.

1. Self-Defense This is the number one reason why most people decide to study martial arts. It truly doesn’t matter which martial art you study as pretty much any style is a great way to learn how to defend yourself. Martial arts not only teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself which allows you to anticipate and avoid potential dangers. Martial arts training also helps build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a dangerous situation and give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and fight back if needed. 2. Self-Confidence As you become more proficient in your selected style of martial arts, your confidence will get a big-boost. You will become more self-assured and confident. This is great not only for the Martial Art you’re studying, but also for outside the gym. Learning a Martial Art has not only made me much happier with myself but also more comfortable in dangerous situations as we talked about above. 3. Discipline Martial Arts training is the ultimate physical expression of ‘practice makes perfect’. In a typical Martial Arts class an individual may execute a single movement or series of related movements hundreds of times. This teaches you that progression happens during small improvements in technique and stamina. Learning a specific skill set or attribute will come through endless repetition. Not only will these skills help in Martial Arts but also this type of discipline will follow them in your non-Martial Arts life. Martial Arts also teaches you commitment and the determination to go to practice even when you don’t feel like. Being humbled and disciplined is what Martial Arts are truly all about, any true martial artist doesn’t seek out violence. 4. Gender Equality Another great thing about Martial Arts is that nearly anyone can do it! This includes Men and Women of all ages. The thing I love most about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in particular is that you will be humbled by the more advanced belts no matter if it’s a Man or a Woman. This is also great for families that want their kids to do Martial Arts. Many parents would love if all of their kids could participate in the same sport and now they can with martial arts! Martial arts are one of the few “sports” where both boys and girls can play together. Martial Artist also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well.

5. Weight Loss and Health

The typical martial arts class will involved warm-up calisthenics, teaching from instructors and practicing moves. More advanced classes involve sparring and other physical activities. The warm up and technical drills take up most of the practice, while stretches and ending cardio are usually at the end. This of course is different for every martial arts class, and depending on the art you study this could be more intense. There is truly nothing better than a true Martial Arts workout.

When compared to sports such as basketball or soccer, martial arts is much more intensive because it involves your natural “fight or flight” response. Most sports don’t involve the full use of every body part either where as compared to something like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Martial arts will be the hardest workout of your life, and your body will thank you for it.