The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all feel very grateful for our health, our families and our jobs. Over the period of quarantine, many people have begun practising new sports, hobbies and routines. We have looked inward, slowed down, taken a break and come up with new ways to be happy at home. Using the power of YouTube tutorials, so many people have learnt new skills which they will take forward with them into the future – whatever it holds.
One awesome set of skills that you can begin to learn at home is martial arts. Martial arts are fighting sports were mostly originally formulated and practised in East Asia, and include karate, jiu-jitsu, tae kwon do, Brazillian jiu-jitsu (originating from Brazil), and aikido, among others. Here are five reasons why you should take up a martial art today!
- Fitness.
If you’ve never tried a martial arts class, prepare to feel the burn. These high intensity classes will keep your heart rate high, and tone your muscles at a rapid rate. Due to the very specific postures of martial arts, and a focus on bodily strength against an opponent, your body is required to work very hard when you practise these sports.
If you consider yourself unfit, don’t be deterred. You will find the classes hard at first, but as you improve, the results in fitness will be amazing!
- Discipline
Have you ever wanted to try a sport which focuses on precision, discipline and respect? Look no further. Martial arts are astonishingly specific sports, focusing on particular movements and rules which must be followed at all times. Although they are fighting sports, you are not simply allowed to do whatever you want – quite the contrary. You will be required to respect your sparring partner and the rules, whilst practising awesome fighting moves!
- History and Culture
For those more academic fitness fanatics, the histories and cultures of the different martial arts are amazing. These practises are thousands of years old, and come with a fascinating set of histories which are so much fun to explore.
- Self Defense
Especially for women, self defense classes are very popular – and it’s understandable why. Even in this day and age, many women still do not feel safe walking at night or doing simple tasks. As sad as this is, many women feel more comfortable knowing they could defend themselves if attacked.
Martial arts allow you to safely practise self defense for moments you hope never arrive. This to a more empowering confidence for women and men alike.
- Cost Effectiveness
Aside from the cost of the lessons, martial arts are some of the cheapest sports to try out. All you need is the Gi, the moveable uniform worn by martial artists, which can be found online. To find the best Gi for BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu), search online to find the color, size and material of your choice.
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