"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants"
- Gichin Funakoshi
FitQuip- Dojo Time
Anyone who has ever spent any time training in the martial arts learns pretty quickly that they are involved in an activity that is every bit mental, even spiritual, as it is physical. And now we are learning that the benefits of participation go even beyond mind/body fitness. These ancient Asian physical, spiritual arts have tremendous health and medical benefits.
Many of you, like me, may have begun training in martial arts when you were much younger. If so, you know you were probably never in better shape in your entire life, whether it was hard (karate, kung fu) or soft (tai chi) styles. Although there is no single ideal sport or fitness activity in terms of providing overall balanced fitness, martial arts comes closest to the perfect activity- providing cardiovascular (both aerobic and anaerobic training), strength, flexibility, agility, balance and endurance. I found it dramatically improved my concentration, hand-eye coordination, peripheral vision and abilities in other sports. It also melted away stress. What I did not know at that time, was the additional capabilities in other health matters.
Scientific research continues to mount, and more and more has been written about the health benefits of martial arts, especially tai chi. Tai chi is one of the "soft" styles using slow fluid movements and control breathing techniques -sort of meditation and/or yoga in motion. The Chinese believe that these very simple specific movement patterns enhance and optimize the flow of “qi”, the life energy that governs health. In fact, acupuncture treatments are aimed at restoring and regulating the same “qi” that flows through the body through channels called meridians. In China , tai chi is considered a medical intervention for the prevention and treatment of many ailments, especially musculoskeletal.
Scientific research has confirmed the following beneficial effects for tai chi:
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Improved psychological well-being
- Decreased incidence of falls in the elderly
- Improve quality of life for individuals with chronic disabling conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Increased overall strength
- Back pain prevention and treatment
- Improved immune function (including improved resistance to certain viruses like shingles)
The martial arts can benefit individuals of any age. Tai chi, because of its gentle, low impact format, is particularly good for middle-aged and older adults, especially those with medical and orthopedic conditions. It is no wonder why millions of Chinese practice tai chi every morning at dawn -something I witnessed firsthand (and participated in) when I was a US Ambassador to China in the 1980s, as part of a sports medicine exchange program. I promised myself then, that someday I would get back into martial arts training -something I've yet to do. Now I have so many more reasons to return to the dojo (the name for a martial arts studio or place of training).
There are many different forms of martial arts, and you should be able to find a style and instructor that suits you. Fighting and sparring can be optional, and are clearly not necessary for the health benefits. In fact, I would even suggest avoiding the board and brick breaking.
Even Bruce Lee, the greatest martial artist, was not impressed when one of his challengers broke a huge board before getting into the ring with him for competition. Bruce looked him squarely in the eye, and calmly replied, "boards don't hit back".
Even if you can't beat Bruce Lee -or even Bruce Springsteen, martial arts will complement your current workouts, and this doctor strongly recommends it for your health. It's the perfect cross-training vehicle. Speaking of musicians, even Elvis had something to say about martial arts -- "it's not just self-defense, it's about… self control, body discipline, and mind discipline… and breath techniques. It involves yoga. It involves meditation. It's an art, not a sport."
FitTip:
You may not be the next Karate Kid, but there are numerous health benefits to be found at your local dojo.
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