Martial arts offer a ton of varied benefits, from self-defense to mental and spiritual development. Seeing as how many people realize this, it is not hard to find a class that can provide you with what you are looking for. Here is a quick guide to see which martial art can give you everything that you want (and need).
6 Martial Arts that Could Change Your Life
Boxing

If the first thing that comes to your mind when we say boxing is Rocky Balboa, don’t worry – this is not a blood sport. You are opting for fitness boxing which provides you with the same benefits as regular boxing, just without the punches.
Boxing is a great option when you are looking for a good cardio workout. No, cardio does not only mean running outside or on a treadmill; the important part is that you put a moderate amount of stress on your lungs and heart. If you challenge them enough, they will adapt to a higher level of physical activity, giving you many physiologic benefits. It also improves your total-body strength and body composition.
This activity has many other benefits, such as better hand-eye coordination which improves your motor skills and reaction time. Another upside is that it can decrease stress, as almost every other form of physical activity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOf0kGfuPpM
Aikido

This Japanese martial art is often translated as “the way of unifying (with) Qi”. Today, this practice can be found all over the world in a wide range of styles, interpretations, and emphases. No matter which approaches you to opt for, this discipline can boost many aspects of your lifestyle and keep you mentally and physically stable.
People are realizing the self-control boosting properties that aikido provides, despite it being conceived as a form of self-defense and attack. The focus is on developing the harmony between your body and mind. Being calm and relaxed is pivotal for learning the techniques – Qi can flow through your body only once you are relaxed. It teaches you patience, strengthens your memory and makes you more determined as a person.
Additionally, aikido is great for older people and people who can’t go to the gym regularly. The stretching movements strengthen the muscles of your arms and legs and make your body stronger and more flexible. It is also great as a cardio exercise. And there is, of course, the original use of aikido –
self-defense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZXt0_Kf5GE
Muay Thai

Also known as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand. It uses stand-up striking and various clinching techniques. It is characterized by the combined use of shins, knees, elbows, and fists, which gave it the name “the art of eight limbs”.
Even though the kids in Thailand start training
Muay Thai kickboxing
as soon as they can walk, it is never too late to start practicing Muay Thai. You should know that it keeps you in top-notch shape. In a single class, you can burn up to a thousand calories. There are many different techniques, which means that the classes won’t be repetitive and you’ll learn something new every time. Seeing as how you are supposed to use your whole body, you will improve your flexibility and posture.
Opting for Muay Thai kickboxing classes can also be great for your social life. You can meet many new people from different backgrounds. This common interest might help you build a friendship outside the gym as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zqtcF7_3xw
Krav Maga

This practice is known for its extreme efficiency and focuses on real-life situations. It was
developed for the Israeli military
and it literally translates to “contact-combat”. It was derived from a combination of boxing, aikido, karate, judo, and wrestling as well as realistic fight training.
Most people opt for Krav Maga in order to gain some self-defense knowledge. After just a few sessions, you will know how to defend yourself in simple and effective ways. It teaches you to use your body as a weapon. One of the most important skills which civilians get to learn is how to defend and counterattack simultaneously. It also teaches you to be as aggressive as possible and how not to get hurt.
Additional benefits of Krav Maga are that it increases your focus, sharpness and mental agility. If you opt for this martial art, you will sleep more deeply and wake up feeling good. Your mind and body will start working together and that will translate to other areas of your life as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-ss_OfxsgA
Capoeira

This martial art that originated from the African slaves in Brazil in the 1500s combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.
Capoeira is a very unique form of exercise. It lets you express yourself, which can make you more confident as a person. The fluid movements to music relax your body and mind. The endorphins that get released will reduce your stress and make you feel relaxed.
The routines call for a lot of upper body movements, such as doing handstands, poses, and rolls. It involves your core and abs and can improve your upper body strength. Additionally, it increases flexibility almost as well as yoga does. These routines require a lot of energy and have many repetitive movements, which makes Capoeira a great cardio exercise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF0HVit4XBU
Taichi

This internal Chinese martial art is practiced for different personal reasons. It combines mindfulness with gentle physical exercise and stretching.
Tai chi is a form of “meditation in motion”
and it is known for alleviating stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, as it promotes inner peace. It can also improve your balance, flexibility, and fitness; it is great for older people as it reduces the risk of falls and does not put too much stress on the joints.
A
study found
that practicing tai chi helped patients with chronic heart failure sleep better and experience a better quality of life. Additionally, it helps people with Parkinson’s disease improve posture and gait as well as decrease the number of falls. Moreover, it can reduce joint pain in people with fibromyalgia and improve the immune system response and blood glucose levels for type-2 diabetes patients.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c-ywGdAiAo
Which Martial Art is for you?
As you can see, there are many different types of martial arts you can choose. Find out which ones fit your needs and experience all the benefits they provide.
Author Bio:
Jessie is a passionate blogger and home designer. She loves writing about tips and tricks that make every home a better place, inside and outside. Besides this, she loves sports, martial arts, outdoor activities and spending time with her close ones. Be sure to connect with Jessie on
Facebook
and
Twitter.