People of all ages take martial arts classes. Some may be looking for a way to defend themselves. Others may be seeking a fun class to help them get in shape or stay fit. If you’re an adult engaged in martial arts training–or thinking about starting–it may surprise you to know that taking a martial arts class can help you in your career, too.
How Can Martial Arts Training Help Your Career?
Learning martial arts provides a workout for your body and your mind. Martial arts schools offer classes in a variety of disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Tang Soo Do, and Karate. What each martial art has in common is that they teach students to face challenges and work toward their goals. Here are some ways that martial arts training can help in every aspect of your career.
Martial Arts Training Develops Focus
Focus is a necessary skill in any workplace. A focused employee is likely to be more productive than someone who has difficulty staying on task. Martial arts training teaches focus because it builds a strong body-mind connection. Many of the skills you will learn from your instructor require focus because your mind and body must work together to master them.
Martial Arts Training Teaches Self-Discipline
Anybody who wants to do a job well needs self-discipline. Discipline is what ensures that you don’t miss deadlines and meet (or exceed) the expectations of your job. In any martial arts class, discipline is required to learn new skills and master them. Students must have the discipline to practice and prepare if they want to pass a belt test or earn a new stripe.
Martial Arts Testing Requires Persistence
Persistence is a quality that can serve you well in any career. It’s also something that’s built into martial arts training. No student can master a new skill on the first try. They need to take constructive feedback and keep going, practicing the same movements many times until they can repeat them perfectly. Students carry the persistence they learn in martial arts back to their jobs.
Martial Arts Students Have Improved Confidence
Confidence is a quality that is important in every field and may be particularly essential for anybody who wants to earn a promotion or get a new job. A prospective employee who walks and speaks with confidence is impressive and far more likely to be hired than one who is burdened by self-doubt. Martial arts students gain confidence every time they step on the mat.
Martial Arts Training Provides Relief from Stress
A vigorous martial arts workout can relieve stress and attending classes regularly can serve as a long-term stress relief if you have a challenging job. The positive effect of less stress is that you’re less likely to burn out as an employee and more likely to have the energy, drive, and enthusiasm to do your job well.
Martial Arts Students Have Self-Control
In any work situation, you may have days when your self-control is tested. For example, you may run into a curmudgeonly customer or an unreasonable demand from your boss. The benefit of martial arts training is that it teaches control because out-of-control movements can lead to injuries. By learning to identify your emotions and view them dispassionately, you can create the ability to behave with calm dignity in any situation.
Martial Arts Training Has Many Career Benefits
In addition to the things we’ve already mentioned, martial arts training can lead to improved posture, better memory, and increased energy. These things can all help you at work, whether you’re working on long term projects or routine daily tasks.