How Taekwon-do and Other Martial Arts Improve Your Spiritual and Mental Health

I practiced Taekwon-do for a couple of years, mostly to get myself some confidence and to be able to defend myself. In the end, you'll learn a lot more about yourself and your discipline.

Originally Martial Arts is an old tradition of fighting in self-defense, and it has been known for its physical challenge and practices, but it also improves your spiritual side.

Over the past thirty years, western psychologists have become more aware of the psychological advantages of martial arts training and have begun to study them.

Martial arts training is widely recognized to include a system of moral principles, which when practiced together may instill physical and mental calm, control of the mind and body, and an increase in self-confidence in the practitioner.

The philosophy of the most spiritual martial art: Taekwon-do

Taekwon-do is like Tai Chi and Qigong, a very spiritual martial art. It has its own philosophy most accurate translation of Taekwon-do in Korean is:

"The art of kicking and punching." (Taek & kwon)

The "Do" part of the word says something about the philosophy or the lifestyle. By putting oneself through intense physical training, Taekwon-do students want to enhance their whole health, including their emotional and spiritual well-being.

It is not only a fantastic technique of self-defense, but it is also a way of life for many people who practice it. Historically, these characteristics may be traced back to Buddhist influence. Taekwondo is a philosophy that teaches students how to rid themselves of their egos and live in peace with the rest of the world via practice.

Taekwon-do also emphasizes the significance of personal responsibility and honesty as tools for achieving peace with one's fellow citizens.

A genuine Taekwon-do student understands how to act in every situation and at any time and who is trustworthy and honest in their commitment to the art.

People would identify the Taekwon-do practitioner by this emblem, which is worn on their belt. Fighting should be eliminated by discouraging the tyranny of the powerful over the weakest with a power that must be founded on humanity, justice, morality, knowledge, and faith to contribute to the development of a better and more peaceful society.

According to the idea of "Yin and Yang," Taekwon-philosophy do's of dynamic is founded on this concept. Taekwondo is a physical manifestation of the human drive for survival and action and a means of fulfilling the spiritual goal of all creatures.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that originated in Korea. As a result of its emphasis on the synchronization of Dan-Jun breathing with bodily movement, Taekwon-do is known to enhance the heart's health, blood circulation, and respiratory system. It increases digestion and metabolism while also improving the development of "Ki."

How martial arts improve your mental health

As a result of our busy daily schedules, we are constantly confronted with new difficulties, which causes us to fall behind on our deadlines. Dealing with stress and worry regularly may ultimately lead to cardiac issues. 

Martial arts training may help you fight this.

It contains cardio, which aids in preventing the adverse effects of stress and anxiety on the body. Furthermore, martial arts may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging you to engage in deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. It will assist you in developing the ability to maintain concentration while staying calm and aware.

This may be particularly useful when you're attempting to do several activities that need your total concentration at the same time.

As you are well aware, self-control is an essential component of martial arts training, and it is strongly linked to mindfulness in its application. Ultimately, this training will assist you in being more disciplined.

Because martial arts involves a high-intensity cardiovascular exercise, it may aid in the release of pent-up frustration. According to several studies, martial arts effectively combat the harmful consequences of rage and other emotions. When you are not in a reasonable frame of mind, it is easy to react and act without taking the time to consider things through.

As previously stated, meditation and breathing techniques are included in martial arts training, which helps relax the mind. When you learn to cope with your inner self and let go of anger without reacting, you will succeed in life.

Boost your confidence with martial arts

As I stated in the beginning, I practiced Taekwon-do mostly to get more confidence. If you are going through a difficult time in your life, martial arts may really help to improve your self-esteem.

This is something that most people with low self-esteem feel regularly, and it has a significant impact on their ability to keep up with their daily tasks.

Martial arts practice allows each student to concentrate on their own personal development. When it comes to academics, the only thing that counts is your progress, not how well you compare to your peers.

One of the common requirements while participating in martial arts is to treat people with respect. It makes no difference how old you are, how long you've been exercising, or whether or not you're physically fit. You have respect for your teachers, your classmates, and yourself.

Wrapping up

Finding the proper martial arts practice may seem powerful and affirming, but how much you receive out of it is determined by the amount of work you put in.

Many martial arts have been shown to help people overcome mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, resulting in a more balanced sense of self.

Martial arts such as tai chi concentrate on the breath and physical sensations in the body, which helps to calm the mind and improve body awareness.

Originally Published on Medium