Some people were born into a life of martial arts. Others pick it up to get fit or de-stress.
When you decide to make martial arts a part of your life, you’ll learn to see the world through a fresh perspective and develop some awesome traits – while getting into the greatest shape of your life!
Today, Evolve Daily shares 10 Ways Martial Artists Think (and Live) Differently:
1) They adapt and evolve to change
Kicking a punching bag activates muscle groups in your legs, abdomen and lower back.
Put a martial artist in a completely foreign place or get them to try out a different fighting style, and you’ll notice that they are able to adjust quickly. This is because their ability to adapt to change allows them to embrace the unfamiliar.
When it comes to training and sparring, they’re not afraid to try different combinations or pick up new techniques – all in the name of being able to adapt quickly to various situations in the ring.
Martial artists understand the importance of going through change, so they readily immerse in all kinds of new experiences that would help them grow.
2) They always give 101%
Skipping is a great way to burn calories.
Hard work gets you further in life. Every martial artist knows that it is what separates the best from the good. That’s why when they decide to be the best at what they do, they keep going and wouldn’t stop until they get there.
Martial artists are some of the most driven, hardworking people that you’ll meet. It’s common for them to stay back after classes to practice the new techniques they’ve learned, as well as enhance their martial arts skills by doing strength training and conditioning.
3) They enjoy the journey without rushing to the destination
Bully-proof your child by letting them learn self defense.
World Champions aren’t made overnight. It takes a great deal of time, discipline and hard work to make it to the top.
All martial artists know that they must go through this journey in order to achieve greatness. That’s why they are patient, even when their goals feel out of reach. Instead of worrying about how they’re going to eventually get to their desired destination, they focus on what they can do to get better and enjoy the process.
4) They turn their weaknesses into strengths
It is important to stretch before and after an intense training session.
Instead of getting disheartened by failure, martial artists take it in their stride and view it as an opportunity to make themselves stronger.
It doesn’t matter whether they keep getting submitted or take a longer time to master challenging techniques, they’ll focus on their weak points and keep on drilling until they achieve success.
5) They understand that courage cannot exist without fear
The knee strike is an important technique in Muay Thai.
More often than not, martial artists would find themselves outside their comfort zone – be it sparring with someone more skilled or joining their first fight.
Although it might scare them, they readily go through it over and over again because they know that such situations are essential for growth.
By constantly punching fear in the face, martial artists often find themselves getting braver. This courage is what helps them to take necessary risks both inside and outside the ring.
6) They always look on the bright side of life
Students feeling great after a BJJ class!
Optimism is one of the best traits that shape martial artists. It is what helps them to seize the good days while giving them the strength to make the most of the bad ones.
Their ability to focus on the bright side of things fuels their passion for martial arts, because no amount of setbacks can take them down.
Also, it gives them the energy to be among the happiest people you’ll ever meet. Martial artists exude positive vibes because they’re always excited to chase and live their dreams.
7) They make sacrifices to stay focused
Elbow strikes are mostly used while in close range.
All martial artists know that in order to stay on top of their game, some sacrifices have to be made.
Not everyone would be willing to give up their favourite snacks or extra time in bed, but martial artists would do that in a heartbeat – all in the name of getting better. Thus, a large portion of their time is dedicated to training in the gym, rather than lazing or partying.
What’s more, they are disciplined enough to consume the right foods so as to help their bodies recover faster and perform better.
8) They believe in themselves
Sparring allows you to better understand and apply the techniques you learn in class.
There is no room for self doubt in every martial artist’s mind. Instead of harping on insecurities, martial artists focus on their love for the sport and believe in their fighting abilities (even when no one else does).
The more they train, they more confidence they gain. As a result, they learn to stop second guessing themselves, and to go with their instincts, hence making them unstoppable in the ring.
9) They constantly push their limits
Boxing is among the oldest and most technical combat sports in history.
Like the rest of us, martial artists sometimes get exhausted and have moments when they feel like giving up. However, they are able to rise above that and fight – for and against themselves – so that they can get stronger.
Besides helping martial artists get closer to their goals, pushing limits forges a warrior mentality in them, which allows them to overcome adversity in life.
10) They live in the moment
Muay Thai employs a graceful combination of kicks, punches, knees, and elbows.
Martial artists see the value of being in the present, as it is when they have the most control over their lives.
Once they take charge of their lives, they let go of external things that they don’t have power over. Instead, they focus on what they can do – such as keeping fit and improving themselves. Because they understand the importance of making every moment count, they eventually become masters of their lives.
There is so much more to martial arts than meets the eye. Besides keeping you fit and healthy, it teaches you many important things that can be applied to daily life.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been training for a long time, or if you wish to start tomorrow. All of us at Evolve Daily believe that greatness is within your reach. So keep your eye on your goals and never stop working hard!
