One of the most common questions people ask before trying martial arts for the first time is, “Shouldn’t I get in shape first?” While this question is understandable, the answer is almost always, “Absolutely not!” Here are three reasons why!
- Martial Arts Training is One of the Best Ways to Get in Shape! While it is an understandable concern that the rigors of martial arts training may be challenging to those who have not had experience with martial arts or physical fitness, there is no activity that will prepare you for the activities associated with martial arts training as well as these activities themselves! While other activities such as weightlifting or cardiovascular training can make the transition to martial arts training easier for some, the specific movements inherent to martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are best acquired through repetitive practice. Furthermore, since martial arts training has been found to be associated with increases in well-being (Area and Area 2019); physical strength (Douris et al. 2004); anaerobic fitness (Ouergui et al. 2014); and flexibility (Douris et al. 2013), there is simply no better way to reach your physical fitness goals while also having a great time!
- Each Student Trains at a Pace That is Right for Them! Often people fear that their physical fitness limitations may lead to their slowing down the class and hindering the training experience of the other students in the room. This is never the case! Each student at our academy is encouraged to train at a pace that works for them rather than trying to match the intensity of the other students in the room. Our instructors are more than capable of ensuring that each student in the room gets the training that they need, regardless of the experience levels of their fellow teammates! Rest assured, if you’re on the mat and trying your best, you are right where you should be!
- Martial Arts is for Bodies of All Kinds! While we are all familiar with the social pressures to conform to idealized body types, martial arts is not about being thin, muscular, or “fit.” Martial arts can be a journey in self-defense, self-discovery, and even social awareness, and there is no prerequisite to taking the first step. At our academy, there is no body shaming, no weight shaming, and students of all shapes and sizes are always welcome in all of our martial arts classes. So, what are you waiting for?! Book for your FREE trial class today!
References
Area, E. P., & Area, E. P. (2019). The effects of a sixteen-week kickboxing training period on physical and physiological characteristics of young male subjects. MED SPORT, 72, 439-52.
Douris, P. C., Ingenito, T., Piccirillo, B., Herbst, M., Petrizzo, J., Cherian, V., … & Jung, M. K. (2013). Martial arts training attenuates arterial stiffness in middle aged adults. Asian journal of sports medicine, 4(3), 201.
Douris, P., Chinan, A., Gomez, M., Aw, A., Steffens, D., & Weiss, S. (2004). Fitness levels of middle aged martial art practitioners. British journal of sports medicine, 38(2), 143-147.
Ouergui, I., Hssin, N., Haddad, M., Padulo, J., Franchini, E., Gmada, N., & Bouhlel, E. (2014). The effects of five weeks of kickboxing training on physical fitness. Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal, 4(2), 106.