Friday, November 16, 2018

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF PRACTICING MARTIAL ARTS



Looking back at my life, it was probably my father that started me on the journey that led to my appreciation of the value of military science, strategy and tactics.  He was an Army Officer during WWII and fought in many epic battles including Anzio and the Battle of the Bulge.

After surviving the war, he became a successful business man.  The lessons he learned from his military experience served him well for all the rest of his days.


Here is my father's ring from 1941.
(The blood Stone ring)  I wear this everyday.












Martial Arts training serves as a foundation that enables a person to live a quality life.


The most obvious psychological benefit is the physical effect.  Martial Arts training enables one to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit, giving the practitioner a relaxed mind and the energy the practitioner needs to accomplish their life's goals.  The breathing exercises in the martial arts (sometimes referred to as Chi Kung) enable the practitioner to bring in and circulate additional oxygen to the body and brain which is vital to growth, healing and proper brain function.

Martial Arts training can tap into the shadow side of our subconscious through the recreation of the life and death struggle.  Understanding one's shadow side can be of great importance, making us aware of our deep fears and helping enable the practitioner to develop the courage to overcome these emotions.

Martial Arts teaches a person to endure and persevere. Welcoming self-discipline is one of the core values in the training.

Martial Art Training can improve your perception of your self so you can become the person you want to be.  It allows you to better organize yourself and how to deal with pain, emotions, and the vagaries of life.

You learn to think positively when dealing with any dire situations. Martial Arts is a moving meditation, providing the practitioner with the same benefits as a sitting meditation.  It enables you to center yourself. 

PHILOSOPHICAL CONCEPTS ASSOCIATED WITH MARTIAL ARTS 

The philosophies of Taoism and Zen can be quite beneficial to one's mental attitude and health.  The Zen principle of Kai Zen is the art of bettering yourself a little everyday in every aspect of your life.  This daily improvement gathers it's own momentum and will inevitably change your life for the better.

Understanding Taoist philosophy of Yin Yang, the balance and interplay of Order and Chaos can  help you maintain balance in your own life.  Self development is the opposite of self destruction. 

The warrior philosophy of being a protector of life, not a killer, can enable a person to resolve conflict in a positive way, resulting in less mental trauma after experiencing a harrowing event. 

Just like all arts, music, painting, poetry and dance; martial arts is an expression of oneself.

After many years of study a Martial Artist becomes extremely observant and acutely aware of even the smallest phenomenon of human nature.

Martial Art practice allows one to endure when all the world's wrath come upon you, you can stand tall like a mountain against the storm.


 About the Author: 


 Judd Bank is the President of CPI Investigations and a life long Martial Artist.
http://www.privatedetectiveny.com