Martial therapy can be a productive means of dealing with a variety of issues that may or may not be medical. In some cases it acts as an outlet for repressed emotions. This approach also involves the warrior within the individual to come out and face the inner beast that may be holding him or her back, by combining a multi-faceted approach to solving issues. Martial therapy can help each individual develop optimal well-being.

Below are some benefits of Martial Arts Therapy.

1) Responsibility.

Without taking responsibility you are unable to truly experience positive growth and transformation to a better self.
Martial arts is a pathway to self-actualization.

2) Discipline.

Attaining and practicing self-discipline is a great asset in both our personal and professional lives. Regular practice of martial arts helps gain the ability to control our emotions, desires and reactions. Martial arts teaches to think before acting, regulate our movements, and focus on action rather than reaction. The discipline involved in fine tuning and honing skills and techniques cannot be overstated. This ability becomes a way of life and permeates all aspects of our being.

3) Perseverance.

People with perseverance are more likely able to accomplish long term goals in the face of adversity. Martial arts emphasize that it is not how many times you fall down but the number of times that you get up that is the best predictor of success.

4) Values.

Establishing goals based on your core values infuses them with deeper meaning and energizes you to pursue them passionately. Values set the course by which goals are established. Living a life based on your values is a foundation for achieving a balanced and satisfying life. Set of core values in Martial Arts are– respect for others, harmony, balance, spirituality, self-determination, self-protection, and service for others

5) Positivity.

A focus on positivity and optimism is associated with many health and wellness benefits including less depression, less substance abuse, greater long-term happiness, better and more relationships, improved career success, improved immunity, and living a longer life. Martial arts instil many foundational principles of positive psychology such as a focus on personal strengths, flow, positive/productive communication, optimism, resilience and celebrating successes.

6) Humility.

Being humble is associated with more effective leadership, more self-control, improved work and academic performance, less prejudicial behaviour, more kindness and enhanced relationships. Martial arts help us appreciate our strengths yet be honest and objective about our limitations, weaknesses, and areas which need improvement.

7) Confidence.

A lack of self-confidence has devastating consequences for children and adults leading to avoiding social interactions, inappropriate fears, poor relationships, poor job performance, depression, and substance abuse. With poor self-esteem, you are more likely to give up on goals in the face of adversity. Marital arts excel at promoting self-confidence and self-esteem in its practitioners.

8) Respect.

Showing respect and appreciation of others encourages them to respect you and increases the likelihood of having others be kind to you. Respect includes friends, foes, and strangers. Employees report that the single most important trait that a leader can possess is that of respect for their workers. In martial arts not only do we respect our teachers, mentors and those wearing a higher belt, but we also learn quickly to respect our opponents.

9) Goal Setting.

Setting goals provides direction in life, helps clarify your personal mission and decision-making. It gives you a defined focus on what is truly important and allows more control of your future journey;

10) Flexibility.

Maintaining physical flexibility is important for many reasons including increased blood circulation and energy levels. Greater muscular coordination, less muscle tension and increased range of movement decreases the chance of injury and back pain. Similarly, being flexible in your thinking reduces the chance of psychological injury in the form of stress, depression, and anger. Martial arts teach us to be strong yet flexible.

11) Balance.

Balance training improves joint mobility, decreases injuries and falls, improves control over and awareness of one’s body position, enhances overall sport performance, reaction time, strength, power and agility and even enhance cognitive memory abilities. Marital arts focuses not only on the physical aspects of balance training but also the mental, psychological and spiritual aspects

12) Work ethic.

Success takes work; physical work, mental work, preparedness, and often spiritual work. True achievement takes fortitude, action and sweat. Martial arts training forms the foundational base for establishing a healthy work ethic

13) Wisdom.

Mastering a specific martial art necessitates practicing enough to incorporate techniques into muscle memory as well as a deeper understanding about proper body mechanics, kinesthesiology, anatomy and physiology, situational awareness and conflict management. This is the master of all virtues associated with high self-efficacy and enhanced performance.

14) Courage.

Acting appropriately in the face of adversity without overconfidence or inappropriate fear. Courage enforces personal boundaries, enhances self-confidence and has the ability to strengthen teamwork.

15) Creativity.

Creativity relieves stress and promotes overall health and wellness. It improves mood and overall emotional health, enhances brain function and promotes the production of new neurons Martial arts promote creativity in one’s approach to novel situations; thinking out of the box and using a dynamic approach to apply and develop new techniques or use old techniques in new ways.

16) Leadership.

The emphasis in martial arts on effective communication, respect for allies and foes, presenting a respectable appearance, striving for self-improvement, showing humility and taking action fosters effective leadership qualities.

17) Open-Mindedness.

Being open-minded is an essential trait for success in relationships, in business, and in acquiring or advancing in any sport, hobby, or activity.

18) Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a key ingredient of martial arts practice. More than just being aware of what is going on; there is an implicit deeper sense of spiritual contemplation and reflection.

19) Situational Awareness.

Situational awareness involves having a level of emotional and social intelligence to perceive and adequately interpret non-verbal information. A lack of this awareness is a primary contributor to accidents caused by human error

20) Action.

Action separates dreaming from doing; We appreciate that in all aspects of life we have a personal responsibility to take inspired action. A Japanese Proverb says, “In the struggle between the stone and water, in time, the water wins.” The stone may seem stronger but it just sits there as the water takes action.

At NIDHIVAN, this therapy is chosen for some individuals keeping in mind his age, stress, mindset and approach to life

When applied in the right manner, this approach transforms the individual from within, boosting his confidence not only mentally but also physically to face the world / life situations.