You might be an introvert if you steer clear of crowded parties, excel at blending into the background during group activities, or feel hesitant about joining martial arts classes due to their larger group settings.
Depending on the region of the world you find yourself in, about 30 to 50% of people are classified as introverts. Introverts prefer focusing on their feelings and thoughts instead of seeking external validation. They typically prefer to spend most of their time alone or in small groups and often feel overwhelmed at large gatherings.
Introverts also often prefer observing things before jumping into action. They tend to take a more cerebral approach to most things.
While traits exhibited by extroverts, the opposite of introverts, are often championed in modern times, many people in countries like Sweden, Japan, and Singapore view being introverted as a strength.
The Psychological Benefits Introverts Gain By Learning Muay Thai
While you might never be the life of the party because of your introverted personality, you can thrive in a Muay Thai gym.
Signing up for a martial art that involves punching, kicking, and lots of sweaty human contact might not seem like the best idea when you’re an introvert, but there are many significant psychological benefits you can gain from learning the art of eight limbs.
Some of the ways Muay Thai can pull you out of your shell and make you a more-rounded person include:
1) It Boosts Your Confidence, One Kick At A Time
As you demonstrate progress or master the techniques learned in class, it boosts your confidence by showing that you’ve accomplished small goals, like perfecting those skills.
Have you ever wished you had an invisibility cloak when you walk into a room? Muay Thai classes can help chip away at the discomfort you feel when you’re surrounded by unfamiliar faces.
Learning Muay Thai will make you feel like you just conquered Mount Everest the first time you land a perfect spinning backkick. Every punch, kick, elbow, knee, and clinch technique you master will be a tiny victory that builds up your confidence brick by brick.
Muay Thai will make you feel like a superhero quickly as you master things you never imagined were possible. Knowing you can kick anyone’s butt if you’re forced to can be very empowering.
You’ll notice yourself standing taller and speaking a little louder when you sign up for classes. You might even build the confidence to walk up to people and (gasp!) start conversations.
2) Provides Considerable Stress Relief
Muay Thai is an excellent stress reliever, offering full-body engagement through a form of destructive therapy that leaves you feeling refreshed and happy after each class.
One of the not-so-fun things about being an introvert is having an overactive mind. Introverts tend to be prone to overthinking things since they spend most of their time inside their minds. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Luckily for you, Muay Thai is the ultimate stress buster and precisely what you need after a long day of dealing with people. Training drills like striking a heavy bag provide destructive therapy by giving you a target on which you can safely release your frustration.
Have you ever wondered why people punch a wall when angry? It’s because their brains subconsciously know letting out their frustration on something will make them feel better.
Learning Muay Thai is like therapy for introverts. You get to channel all your anxiety into something productive. You’ll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders after each training session, and feel-good endorphins will be released in your brain, improving your mood. Muay Thai training is also much cheaper than seeing a therapist, and you won’t have to put up with awkward couch sessions.
3) Helps To Find Your Inner Peace
Muay Thai helps you clear your mind and organize your thoughts by focusing on the techniques, allowing you to find peace during training as you let go of distractions.
Introverts often seek a sense of peace that Muay Thai training can help them to reach. It might seem counterintuitive, but Muay Thai helps you to categorize your thoughts and emotions, calming your internal dialogue.
Working in the gym puts you in the flow state where your mind is focused on the drill being performed, your entire body is engaged, and everything else in your mind fades to the background. It’s like meditation, but with lots of sweat and an instructor shouting commands at you.
You become fully immersed in your training, and you’ll notice that your mind is much clearer when you leave.
4) Improves Your Social Skills
Training martial arts introduces you to people from all walks of life who become your source of energy, motivation, and happiness, ultimately leading to lasting friendships.
Introverts aren’t usually huge fans of social interactions, but Muay Thai gyms are pretty unique. They are filled with people who share your interest in learning Muay Thai, and instructors typically promote a highly positive ego-free environment.
Many of your new training partners will go out of their way to make you feel more comfortable as you train, and some might become good buddies.
Mutual respect develops when you train, learn, and improve with others. Hanging out with your training partners will eventually become one of your favorite parts of training. Everyone at the gym is on their own personal journey, and you’ll end up cheering each other on.
5) Makes You More Resilient
Practicing the art of 8 limbs strengthens your resilience, as the training builds mental toughness that benefits you both on and off the mats.
Life is filled with challenges, and anyone can feel overwhelmed by them. Learning Muay Thai teaches you to face these challenges head-on.
Your training will require you to think on your feet and adapt to each training partner you spar with. It will teach you to keep pushing forward, even when you feel exhausted.
The mental toughness that comes with learning the art of eight limbs will carry over into other aspects of your life. You find yourself becoming more willing to step out of your comfort zone. You’ll discover a side of yourself you might not have known existed, a side that’s fierce, determined, and confident you can overcome any challenge.
You’ll Have Lots Of Fun When You Start Learning Muay Thai!
Like everyone else, introverts love to have fun, and a Muay Thai gym is one of the best places to do that. You’ll have moments of frustration, triumph, and laughs. Muay Thai gyms frown upon egos, so everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. There’s always that one training partner who does something silly while training that makes the entire gym laugh.
Your classes will help pull you out of your shell and sharpen your social skills, making you more comfortable during interactions outside the dojo. Learning Muay Thai will make you physically, mentally, and socially sharper than you’ve ever been.
Want to learn more about Muay Thai? Come to one of Evolve’s complimentary introductory classes for a first-hand look at what classes are like.
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556
Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293
Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
