Most new students of Martial Arts have as one of their aims to develop self-defense skills that would potentially protect them against eventual aggressors. However, I believe that the majority of students that continue their learning process for a longer period of time are driven primarily by improving their physical and mental condition, achieved by constant practice of the techniques they learn.
Certainly, no one is immune to suffer a physical assault. It is known that the Martial Arts techniques prepare its practitioners to protect themselves against possible attackers. However this does not imply that conflict situations should be sought. Rather, it is a maxim in the contemporary Martial Arts, that physical conflict situations should be avoided.
Protection is only one of the aspects that Martial Arts provide for its modern practitioners, and it is sometimes overemphasized. The physical and mental benefits that can be attained with a regular practice of a Martial Art are, for me, more important.
The body’ physical abilities, i.e., flexibility and strength, deteriorate over time. One way to try to mitigate the effects of time on our bodies is the practice of a regular physical activity. The various techniques of punches, kicks, blocks, jumps, throws, among others, practiced in Martial Arts, “grease” our joints, tendons and ligaments, develop our muscles, as well as improve the general functioning of our respiratory and cardiovascular system.
Without considering the importance of the individual’s genetic inheritance, in order to maintain a good state of health, we need:
To breath properly
To get enough rest
To have a balanced diet
To exercise regularly
These factors are essential to the development and maintenance of the body’s flexibility. Flexibility is crucial in the practice of any form of Martial Art. When our body is too rigid it is more susceptible to injuries. A simple daily routine of movements with some stretching exercises can bring many benefits to our lives.
(to be continued)
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