Edit: Title misspell. Martial arts, not marital arts

I’m currently taking Muay Thai/striking classes, and the impact it’s had on my confidence has been profound. I’m not advanced by any means; it’s humbling and difficult physically (and mentally) at times. But that’s what matters. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone consistently is a sure fire way to maintain confidence. This is type of confidence will carry over into all other aspects of your life.

Taking some bullshit adult karate class where you advance every few months simply for participating won’t help. You want to choose a discipline where you are drilling/sparring with others consistently, competing and exerting yourself physically. Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, general MMA are some examples. The benefits are multifaceted:

  • Social: You are interacting and cooperating with others when you drill with someone. You have to communicate, and work together to go through each exercise successfully

  • Competition: When sparring or rolling with someone, you are competing with them on a very personal level, with direct contact. Having this sort of competitive interaction consistently is incredibly rewarding.

  • Facing challenges: Sparring or heavy contact drilling can be intimidating, especially if you are relatively new. Experiencing mild physical pain and the prospect of inflicting mild pain on someone else pushes your boundaries.

  • Physical fitness: Competing in these types of activities is physically demanding. Training involves both intense cardiovascular and strength exercises over an extended period.

  • Goal setting: There is an inherent element of advancement and improvement in marital arts, even with disciplines without a ranking system, you are striving towards some sort of goal, whether it’s personal or part of the system

Sometimes membership can expensive, and it is an investment of time. Both are well worth it. You will find that you are dually more confident, yet centered and humble at the same time.