Often times we read or hear about the benefits of martial arts or self-defense training for kids. There is no doubt that the physical conditioning, discipline, attention to detail, and an array of other attributes are so beneficial for kids, especially today when so many are glued to their screens and devices. Even a one-hour class has been proven to help in building children’s confidence and self-esteem, assist with managing ADHD, enhance social skills, and decrease depression.
But what about adults? I would argue that not only all of the same benefits apply, but are likely amplified yet under documented or articulated. Let’s think about the typical life style of a western adult male. Statistics provide the following insights: they do not sleep enough, their diet is severely lacking essential nutrients, they are mostly sedentary, and even those who do belong to a gym are not exercising effectively or efficiently, the modern workspaces: from cubicles at office spaces to tele-working from home, hinder social interaction, they watch too much TV, consume too much alcohol, and much much more. So as we can see, the picture painted is one of a generation that suffers from the same ailments our kids do.
Joining a martial arts or self-defense program can do wonders to fix many of those issues. And although I cannot speak to any other programs, at least at Masada we will be able to address many of these. (Although the masculine terms will be used, this is just as prevalent, if not more so, to women as well!)
- Classes are intense by design. And although self-driven in terms of allowing students to gage their speed and effort, a typical one-hour class includes a roughly 10-minute warm up, about 40 minutes of skills and drills, with emphasis on stress inoculation and a cool down. The benefits include increased cardiac output, strength, and learning life-saving skills.
- Confidence of students grow as they become proficient, and see. That they can handle themselves, especially in adverse situations. This in turn translates to better performance at work and even when interacting with family. A person who is not as timid carries himself in such a manner that garners more respect, attention, and dignity.
- Spending at least one hour per week in a class with others, often competing alongside or against others, increases the social interaction and development of appropriate and socially acceptable communication and group dynamics. A skill unfortunately that is slowly being lost on many. Add to this, at least at Masada, many social events and other opportunities to interact with likeminded people, and one can see how quickly the social aspect far surpasses what most people would receive in most other aspects of their lives combined!
- Mental illness is on the rise, with COVID and its associated quarantines only adding to this issue, and society is faced with one of the largest epidemics of depression ever recorded. Getting out, working out, and having fun is a sure way to combat some of these effects. Increases serotonin and dopamine release associated with exercise also would assist in combating the effects of depression.
As we make it into colder months, with extended dark hours and less motivation to do pretty much anything, we should take the opportunity to seek an outlet that would allow us to grow and get stronger physically, emotionally, and psychologically…all welcome results of participating in a self-defense program. And who knows, you may learn a skill along the way that may one day save your life as well.
Often times we read or hear about the benefits of martial arts or self-defense training for kids. There is no doubt that the physical conditioning, discipline, attention to detail, and an array of other attributes are so beneficial for kids, especially today when so many are glued to their screens and devices. Even a one-hour class has been proven to help in building children’s confidence and self-esteem, assist with managing ADHD, enhance social skills, and decrease depression.
But what about adults? I would argue that not only all of the same benefits apply, but are likely amplified yet under documented or articulated. Let’s think about the typical life style of a western adult male. Statistics provide the following insights: they do not sleep enough, their diet is severely lacking essential nutrients, they are mostly sedentary, and even those who do belong to a gym are not exercising effectively or efficiently, the modern workspaces: from cubicles at office spaces to tele-working from home, hinder social interaction, they watch too much TV, consume too much alcohol, and much much more. So as we can see, the picture painted is one of a generation that suffers from the same ailments our kids do.
Joining a martial arts or self-defense program can do wonders to fix many of those issues. And although I cannot speak to any other programs, at least at Masada we will be able to address many of these. (Although the masculine terms will be used, this is just as prevalent, if not more so, to women as well!)
- Classes are intense by design. And although self-driven in terms of allowing students to gage their own speed and effort, a typical one hour class includes a roughly 10-minute warm up, about 40 minutes of skills and drills, with emphasis on stress inoculation, and a cool down. The benefits include increase cardiac output, strength, and obviously learning life-saving skills.
- Confidence of students grow as they become proficient, and see. That they can handle themselves, especially in adverse situations. This in turn translates to better performance at work and even when interacting with family. A person who is not as timid carries himself in such a manner that garners more respect, attention, and dignity.
- Spending at least one hour per week in a class with others, often competing alongside or against others, increases the social interaction and development of appropriate and socially acceptable communication and group dynamics. A skill unfortunately that is slowly being lost on many. Add to this, at least at Masada, many social events and other opportunities to interact with likeminded people, and one can see how quickly the social aspect far surpasses what most people would receive in most other aspects of their lives combined!
- Mental illness is on the rise, with COVID and its associated quarantines only adding to this issue, and society is faced with one of the largest epidemics of depression ever recorded. Getting out, working out, and having fun is a sure way to combat some of these effects. Increases serotonin and dopamine release associated with exercise also would assist in combating the effects of depression.
As we make it into colder months, with extended dark hours and less motivation to do pretty much anything, we should take the opportunity to seek an outlet that would allow us to grow and get stronger physically, emotionally, and psychologically…all welcome results of participating in a self-defense program. And who knows, you may learn a skill along the way that may one day save your life as well.
