Martial arts have gone viral around the world, especially in North America. In the US, martial arts have become a $4 billion industry. In Canada, too, the industry is booming. So if you’re considering martial arts training, there couldn’t be a better time. Here are the top reasons why you should go ahead with the idea.

Self Defence

The most obvious and one of the most important benefits of doing martial arts is learning self-defence skills. 220,406 cases of aggravated assault were reported in Canada in 2016. Martial arts allow you to protect yourself from assault by learning to defend yourself if a situation arises. Knowing self-defence also benefits those around you during an emergency.

Great Workout

Martial arts training involves the coordinated use of the whole body and mind. Martial artists follow tough workout regimes in order to make themselves be able to stand their ground in the ring. Thus, martial arts training not only help you learn self-defence, but it also helps you improve your overall fitness levels. Improved fitness levels come in the form of stronger muscles and bones, better cardio and stamina, flexibility, mobility and bodily awareness.

Mental Health Benefits

Martial arts are arguably the hardest sport on the planet. Getting hit in the face again and again is not everyone’s cup of tea. Learning to bear pain, withstand pressure, and holding your ground improves mental health and instills valuable qualities like resiliency and self-control in you. Studies show that tough exercises help prevent depression and anxiety by increasing the production of happiness hormone like serotonin.

Social Benefits

Learning martial arts is a social activity. Martial arts academies around the world train aspirants in groups. This group learning promotes social interaction. Many people form good friendships at these academies because of their like-mindedness. Interacting with new people in teams and making friends with them will improve your overall social skills.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is absolutely necessary for achieving anything meaningful in life. Also, it’s one of the most difficult qualities to develop. Martial arts can help. In fact, few other things teach self-discipline as well as martial arts. Learning new tricks and practicing them to perfection, staying in form with psychotically regular practice sessions and maintaining your whole body accordingly inculcates in every martial artist great self-discipline.

So Why Wait?