- Martial Arts and Self-Esteem
- By Robert L. Jones
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- When most people think about
martial arts and self-esteem, they probably think about the
benefits for children. It is true that children do show
increased self esteem when they train martial arts, but it is
also true that adults can experience the same effects. Training
martial arts can increase self-esteem in many ways for many
people. Here’s how:
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- MENTAL OBSTACLES
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- Training martial arts can help
you overcome mental obstacles – including self-doubt and a lack
of confidence. As you progress through the different levels, you
will soon be able to conquer self-doubt and other overwhelming
feelings as you start to build mental awareness of your
mind/body connection. Becoming physically able to reach a goal
is connected with your mental ability to take your body where
you want it to go.
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- SELF-CONTROL
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- Martial arts help you build your
self-esteem because you get to move at your own pace and succeed
individually. Earning belts will give you a sense of
accomplishment. They also teach you how to set goals and give
you the confidence to reach these goals. Martial arts also teach
self-respect and respect for others and give you the sense of
relief that you will be able to defend yourself if you need to.
Having these skills will give you an all-around confidence in
yourself and your abilities.
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- PHYSICAL ABILITIES
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- Your physical abilities are also
tied to your self-esteem. You will also feel fit and notice an
increase in your strength. Feeling good about yourself
physically will also carry over into other parts of your life –
you will start feeling good about yourself as a whole. In
addition to that, your increased coordination will help you do
well in other areas as well, whether you choose to take part in
another sport or even if you want to coach your child’s sports
team.
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- WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
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- FOR CHILDREN:
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- The benefits of increased
self-esteem for children are almost endless. Children with high
self-esteem do well in school, are less likely to take drugs and
are more likely to stay out of trouble. Training martial arts
will also teach children how to maximize their potential by
setting and reaching goals and by giving them the confidence to
be persistent and to be positive role models for their peers.
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- FOR ADULTS:
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- Many adults could also use a
boost of self-esteem. This boost can help them do well in their
jobs, to be more relaxed at home and to be able to take more
healthy risks. Adults with high self esteem are able to maximize
their potential by setting and meeting goals and by being
persistent. They are also more likely to take on leadership
roles whether on the job or in volunteer opportunities.
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- Of course, one of the key
components to being able to build your self-esteem (or your
child’s) is to find a great instructor at a great school.
Instructors need to be ready to give guidance and positive
reinforcement while they nurture their students and guide them
through their programs. Why not give it a try? You have nothing
to lose and everything to gain.
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- Sincerely,
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- Robert Jones Master Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt Owner, the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
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- Mr. Robert Jones runs three
successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood,
and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive
changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years.
He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts
school. One for adults and one for parents wanting to pick the
right school for their children. He can be reached at
martialadvice@hotmail.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial
Arts. 800-508-6141.
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- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_L._Jones
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