I did Taekwondo for roughly five years growing up. As a child, my parents had me do martial arts so that I would know how to protect myself. However, martial arts is much more than just a way to protect yourself or a form of exercise. Here are 10 life lessons I've learned from doing martial arts:
1. Sometimes you just need to yell.
When striking, you are taught to let out a yell or a shout. This causes you to hit with greater force, along with clearing and focusing your mind (there's also the added benefit of intimidation). In everyday life, there are moments when it feels like we need to just let out a yell to release all the stress and pressure we are under. Go ahead, let that yell out. It can be truly releasing and freeing. Just don't do it in the middle of the night near your neighbors.
2. You have to practice.
As with any activity we take up, practice makes perfect. No skill is going to be useful to you unless you practice it enough. That goes for any physical activity as well as mental activities like reading, writing and arithmetic.
3. Discipline is necessary in life.
The only way that you can get yourself to practice is to discipline yourself. In Taekwondo, we had to practice sequences of motions, repeating them from memory. While those sequences may seem useless in an actual fight, the real lesson it taught was discipline and focus, crucial to developing any real skill. Everyday we have to have the discipline to work on tasks or to control ourselves from that extra scoop of ice cream (regardless of how sweet it is).
4. Pain is a part of the process, and you have to work through it.
Almost nothing goes without a hitch. There are always bumps in the road of life, and there will be pain. A huge part of Taekwondo is building the mental toughness to ignore physical pain and the mental barrier that tells you that you can't break that board or perform that move; once the mind is trained enough to look past those two things, then you can keep going. In life, we will experience emotional and physical pain, but we won't always get the chance to fully heal before having to move forward. Sometimes we just have work through the pain.
5. Never doubt what you can do.
There will be things you encounter that you believe will be impossible for you to do. With practice, discipline and the will to work through the pain, however, you can accomplish anything. Breaking five boards that are stacked with one kick? I eventually accomplished. Writing an 8-page research paper the day before it's due? It seemed impossible, but I got it done.
6. Respect Others.
Everyone deserves respect. No matter the age, gender, size, social class or any other factor, we always bow before and after sparring. We always bow to the teacher at the beginning and end of class. People deserve respect, and that goes for any part of life.
7. Always consider other options before making a decision.
One of the first lessons pounded into my head when I started Taekwondo was that it is solely for self defense and only when it's the last option. I was trained to avoid conflict if possible, to consider all options before engaging in a fight that could seriously hurt myself or the other individual. Life provides so many events, and, many times, we want to jump at the easiest or instinctual response. Take the time to consider your options, and choose the smarter choice – not the easier one.
8. You can’t do things alone.
I couldn't have grown in martial arts if I didn't have students who trained with me and a master who taught me. I sparred with people who were close to my skill level, allowing me to gradually grow. I had a teacher who demonstrated what moves to do and pointed out when I was making a mistake. Take the time to learn from others and with others. Your one perspective is nothing compared to the collective perspectives of everyone around you.
9. Be humble.
There is always someone better. There is always much to learn. You are always capable of making mistakes. You're human. Be humble.
10. Progress takes time, so be patient.
It can be frustrating when you feel like you are putting in all the hard work but not seeing any of the benefits. But don't give up! The hard work does pay off! Give it time, don't be discouraged and be patient. The end product is worth all of the work.
