How to Increase Your Self-Discipline Through Martial Arts

One of the primary reasons many people take martial arts isn't necessarily for the self-confidence, but for that other hyphenated phrase, self-discipline. Self-discipline is one of the foundations for success: the ability to get yourself to do something you don't necessarily want to do because of the desire for comfort can be very important. That's why martial arts can be a great skill to learn for the less disciplined among us.

But how exactly do you extract discipline from these classes? Sure, you'll be respectful during class, but when the class is over, don't you simply head home and act like you normally would? The truth is that self-discipline will have to come from within. Although the classes can help, you'll still need to find the answers from yourself.

To do this, start out with a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Ask yourself some of the ways you can incorporate mental discipline in your life, starting with the martial arts classes.

One idea may be that you always attend classes on time, and use this new standard of punctuality in every area of your life, always arriving to work on time.

Another idea may be that you come up with a new routine, point-by-point, that you can use every single time you go to the martial arts class. Routines can be great for self-discipline, as they take the mental guesswork out of your menial tasks and make them more automatic.

The more you think about self-discipline, the more you'll recognize the different areas in life you can change around through some simple course corrections. For example, because you need to be in shape for martial arts classes, you now have an excuse to eat healthier and work out more frequently. You'll also have an excuse to keep your nails trim, so that you don't accidentally cut a sparring partner. And you might notice that the sparring helmet is more comfortable if you're trimmed and clean.

Soon, you'll probably come to see that the way you act and take care of yourself is a reflection of your self-esteem. After all, if you believe in yourself, doesn't it make sense to always have a clean martial arts uniform? If you want to be a top student, doesn't it make sense that you'll always show up on time - even early?

Self-discipline comes from within, but the martial arts class can make a great reinforcement of your new routines. Don't be afraid to ask your instructor for self-discipline tips, as well as any "extra credit" you might be able to do outside of class.

Photo Credits: parhessiastes

Originally posted 2009-08-18 03:04:07.

This post involves:

blank piece of paper, desire, excuse, foundations, guesswork, helmet, martial arts class, martial arts classes, menial tasks, mental discipline, nails, pencil, phrase, piece of paper, punctuality, reflection, self confidence, self discipline, shape, sparring partner

... and focuses on:

Martial Arts

Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on January 29, 2012 in Martial Arts. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.