The practice of martial arts may typically be associated with self-defense, but it’s usually understated that it was never invented simply for the sake of hurting your fellow man. Martial arts are as much about self-defense as they are about self-improvement. Here are just some of the benefits that come with practicing martial arts:

Physical Health Benefits

Before we start, what exactly do martial arts teach us? Sure, it’s useful to know how to defend yourself when the need arises, but that can’t be the only reason. If you were taking martial arts lessons for self-defense, the costs would be better put towards buying a can of pepper spray. People practice martial arts for a variety of reasons, including reaping physical benefits that make them feel strong and in control.

1. Muscle Memory

A core tenet of martial arts has always been repetition. Much like how you have to do 100 sit-ups every day consistently, martial arts operate under the tenet that a person can only learn a move once they have done it 1,000 times. In a certain famous karate movie, we see this happen in great effect. Wax on, wax off is a routine move that was built from pure muscle memory and eventually eased into practical application. The more you do something, the easier it gets.

2. Focused Strength

It’s given that to properly defend yourself, you need to be strong. However, martial arts aren’t a strongman competition. Martial arts teach you how to focus that strength as efficiently as possible. Kicking, punching, and even the proper stance require strength focused on certain areas of the body.

3. Proper Breathing

Did you know you’ve been breathing wrong this whole time? In martial arts, breathing is crucial to being at peak performance. You learn to pace yourself so that you can maximize your moves without immediately tiring yourself out. When you breathe incorrectly, such as too fast or holding it intense anticipation, you sacrifice precious seconds catching your breath instead.

Mental Health Benefits

Truth be told, aside from the above, martial arts provide the same benefits as any good exercise routine could give you. Of course, it’s not only the physical health aspects of martial arts that are beneficial but the mental health aspects as well.

1. Discipline

Martial arts are all about routine, repetition, and proper form. There’s a reason why different kinds of martial arts are called a discipline. Martial arts let you set goals for yourself that can only be achieved if you do things the right way and that kind of mindset can be applied to everything else you do.

2. Focus

Martial arts require you to observe yourself as much as what you do to your opponent. When you memorize moves, proper forms, and stances, you are subconsciously focused. It raises your clarity levels so that even in the heat of a stressful situation (i.e., a punch fast approaching your face), you can deal with it calmly and react with reflex.

3. Fortitude

You will be tough not only physically but also mentally. Martial arts favor those who have the strength of will and clarity of mind to practice them. You can learn to be calm even in the tensest situations and assess them properly. You will be less likely to panic because you know in your heart that when something happens, you have the skills and rationale to pursue the best course of action.