There have been numerous martial arts disciplines that have been developed and popularized for hundreds of years. From Jiu-jitsu and Taekwondo to Kickboxing and Krav Maga, these combat systems differ in their moves and their teaching methods but are all bound together by a single core value—respect. Let’s explore how martial arts teach respect and discipline beyond just being a ritual of self-defense and fighting techniques.
A Disciplined Environment
Martial arts dojos are typically formal environments where students and instructors are expected to display a level of discipline and decorum at all times. From the moment the students come into the room to the moment they end their lesson with their instructor, self-control and respect are ingrained in everything they do.
It’s not uncommon for students to feel frustrated when they do not perform well during a lesson. When that happens, they are still expected to behave respectfully towards their peers and instructors.
Camaraderie and Engaging with Others
Getting along with other people in a social setting isn’t always easy for everyone. There will be times when you may not see eye to eye with other people, which could result in sudden outbursts of emotion.
Martial arts teaches you to stay calm in the face of adversity and conflict. It encourages you to work with others to improve your own skill along with theirs despite the possibility of making mistakes.
The Virtue of Humility
Mistakes are a natural part of life, as is with martial arts training. Whenever you’re in a Kickboxing competition or an MMA fight, you’ll soon learn to realize that you can’t win every fight. There will always be an opponent stronger and more skilled than you. Only by practicing humility can you overcome that feeling of defeat.
Many martial arts disciplines teach the value of humility when faced with a formidable opponent. That opponent may now always be a person but can manifest in challenging situations. This is where you realize that being humble is an integral part of being respectful of yourself and others.
Personal Growth
By understanding the value of respect through martial arts disciplines, you increase your ability to grow as a person. You become more confident in your fighting skills, as someone capable of taking care of yourself as well as your friends and family. That confidence then develops into an ability to focus on the positive aspects of life, which allows you to move forward. This is essential in maintaining control over your mind and body, leading to your own personal growth.
The Value of Self
Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of learning martial arts is the ability to value yourself as a person. Understanding the value of oneself is a form of respect that only you can bestow upon yourself. As you go through your training, you discover your weaknesses but at the same time learn not to underestimate yourself. With that perspective, your own sense of self-worth grows and develops. This awareness of your self-worth enables you to treat yourself and others with kindness, decency, and respect all because of the deep-rooted beliefs you developed in your training.
Conclusion
Through martial arts training and competitions, you instill a deep sense of respect for yourself and others. The actual techniques and fighting styles may differ, but every martial arts discipline out there all aims to teach you to become a more disciplined and respectful individual. It’s not just about learning to fight and defend yourself, it’s also about your own personal growth.
If you want to learn more about fighting disciplines and the art of self-defense, turn to Pride Martial Arts. We cover many topics, including Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and other combat workouts. Contact us today to learn more.
