We tend to associate fighting with negative emotions – after all, no one really likes to fight, right? Well, fighting can actually be good for you. Throughout the day and week, negative experiences and frustration can build up at the back of your mind and fighting can help you release the tension and get rid of your anger in a controlled setting. Fighting others who consented to participate – as part of a sport, for instance – is a safe and effective way to reduce frustration and anxiety, and deal with your anger in a healthy way.
And let’s not forget: fighting is hard which means you’re bound to get that heart rate up! There’s a vast body of evidence suggesting that exercise can help reduce your stress and boost the production of “feel-good” hormones known as endorphins.
Learning to fight can help you gain a deeper understanding of both yourself and your partner, as well as the consequences this type of physical activity can have on the body and the mind. When you fight, you explore your boundaries and capabilities, learn what you can and cannot do which can help you achieve a calmer mindset and regain your self-confidence. Additionally, fighting teaches discipline and self-control which makes it less likely that you might act out on an impulse when threatened or angered. Knowing yourself is the best way to learn how to control your own ego, and fighting can help you avoid hurting those around you or leashing out on a loved one when overwhelmed with negative emotions.
What’s more, because of its nature, fighting fosters resilience. It challenges the way you think and the way you respond to pressure, and constantly pushes you to go beyond your limits. When first starting out, many people get tempted to quit mid-way through a sparring match because they feel exhausted, tired or overwhelmed. If you persist, however, combat sport can nurture a greater sense of self-esteem and resilience, and encourage you to push your limits. Fighting is all about exploring yourself and your mental and physical capabilities in a way that’s safe and respectful of you and your partner. Every time you stick it through a particularly difficult sparring match or defeat a challenging opponent, you make another step on the road to personal growth.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the most challenging combat sports; often referred to as human chess, it involves a tremendous amount of mental energy to learn and perfect the techniques. Finding the right club where you can learn and train in a safe environment is especially important for Brazilian jiu-jitsu as it ensures you can explore your boundaries and capabilities while also having fun. The more you train, the more automatic the fighting process becomes and for many pros, Brazilian jiu-jitsu becomes a unique form of active meditation.
Instead of struggling with tension, frustration and pent-up anger, go find out a martial arts club that offers you the opportunity to release those negative emotions in a safe, healthy and engaging way. Build up your self-esteem and self-confidence while training your body and mind simultaneously and don’t forget: fighting is all about respect – to you and those around you.
