How martial arts can lead to a calmer, happier, more productive life

Martial arts are not just about self-defence, and most are certainly not about learning to injure your adversaries. Beneath the surface lies beauty and grace. Techniques of the ancient martial arts can lead to mental relaxation and happiness. Learn more.

• The martial arts have enjoyed something of a resurgence since the mid 1990s, with the arrival of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
• Many people are opting for the more modern, competitive, sporting styles, but many are led deeper into the ancient styles, and the budo, or "martial way" that is intertwined therein.
• These arts, such as kung fu, aikido, and tai chi, when practised correctly and effectively, under expert supervision, involve exercising mindfulness, or "being present."
• This being in the present moment is essentially meditation.

• Meditation does not have to involve sitting in uncomfortable positions while chanting "Ommmm."
• In fact, many people practice a form of walking meditation, which simply involves being mindful of an aspect of walking.
• This can be the motion of the foot, or the feeling of material brushing your leg. As long as you are relaxed and being mindful of happenings and changes in the present moment, you are in a meditative state.
• You must not think even a second into the past or future, and when at first your mind inevitably wanders, you just calmly draw it back to the present.

In relation to martial arts, mindfulness enables the student to better understand the movements of their body. It also enables the accomplished student to be able to defend themselves with a complete mind, free from distraction and fear of consequence.

In everyday life, when you aren't being assailed by a sword wielding maniac, these qualities have limitless benefits and applications. Mindfulness can enable you to filter distracting thoughts and focus the mind on the problem at hand. This can lead to:

• Calmness
• Happiness
• Better sleep
• Getting to know yourself better, recognizing strengths, and rectifying faults
• Efficiency and productivity through focus and drive
• Lower levels of stress
• Lower blood pressure and a healthier mind and body

Try out a martial art today and gain the skills to enable you to relax and improve your life. With many martial arts, such as Wing Chun kung fu, you should be armed with the techniques necessary to practise in some form and at your own leisure after just one or two sessions.