5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Adults

Karate is more than kicking and punching these days. Martial arts is about self improvement and benefits.

1. Physical Fitness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only 1 in 5 adults meet physical activity guidelines set to improve wellbeing. Although different martial arts vary in the levels of rigorous physical activity, nearly all of them will improve conditioning and fitness. With obesity rates as high as they are, more and more adults need to find a physical activity they enjoy, to keep their health in check. Martial arts can provide a source of fitness that is enjoyable, life enriching and can be maintain for many years. One of the key elements about martial arts is that it can easily be tailored for some of the  physical challenges that adults over the age of 30 face. Got a bad back? Karate will help strengthen the core supporting the back and can often help improve functioning. American Family Martial Arts instructors range in age from early 20’s to over 50. So we’ve probably been where you are before. 

 

2. Mental Strength

A successful practice of martial arts requires a large amount of mental fortitude. Some of martial arts’ most traditional tenets – such as indomitable spirit and perseverance – stress the importance of fighting through preconceived limits. Discipline might be the biggest trait that leads to success in martial arts. Knowing you have a challenge up ahead and developing the discipline needed to achieve that is an important life skill that will translate to many other areas of your life.  Another important aspect of martial arts is feeling, accepting and controlling your emotions. By practicing karate, you will feel anger, fear, frustration and anxiety, at some point. The way you deal with these emotions will help you grow mentally. In some ways, American Family Martial Arts gives you space to practice these emotions and change or modify your responses in a low key environment.

One American Family Martial Arts frequent events is board breaking. This activity teaches that it’s  not just about power but also focus, perseverance, and determination. Check out this video of a BR Police officer showing that board who’s boss! You can see more board breaking videos on our YouTube channel: Playlist AFMA

3. Mental Health

The issues of mental health are becoming more apparent and our understanding of them is growing as well. Many issues of mental health are helped by fitness alone, but the martial arts add a lot of benefits. Martial arts for adults can also help bring on a sense of purpose. Adults are goal-oriented and exploring that side of our human nature is important for our happiness. The motivation that can build up for many can power you through your fitness goals, as well as your life goals. And it’s not the same cardio workout over and over. New challenges stretch the mind and strengthen neuroplasticity-making you mentally more fit all your life. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change THROUGHOUT life.

4.  Social Life 

In adulthood, it can be very tough for some to find peers with mutual interests and outlooks. Martial arts is a great place to meet new people, from all walks of life, and the shared dedication to their art can help bond people. And yes, American Family Martial Arts does have “tall people” not just kids and teenagers! Lifelong friends are made all the time at martial arts gyms; going through difficult trials – such as belt testing – can really help create social bonds between friends.

5. Family Time

Martial arts can help you bond with your children. What other sports activity can you do with your child?! Not only will you learn new things, you can learn them with your child. Instead of incomprehensible math questions or talking about the moves in a video game, you can both attend classes and learn the same material. There are classes for children and adults only, as well as mixed classes at American Family Martial Arts.

And we didn’t even talk about self defense, which is a common reason people start karate. But it’s an ongoing element of our adult martial arts program. Give us a call for more information.

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