Mental Fortitude: The Impact of Martial Arts on the Mind

As a person who’s been doing martial arts for the past two years now, not having any prior experience, I believe it would be an understatement to say it just changes your outlook on things, it has the potential to change your entire life.

I’ve become engrossed with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Boxing, watching the world’s finest in these disciplines go at it in prominent fight promotions, like the UFC.

Here’s an article showing you the rising MMA athletes to be on the look out for.

The skill these athletes show in the cage is inspiring, but none of their incredible feats would be possible if they didn’t have the mental wherewithal to push through hard fight camps, and recover from seemingly career-destroying injuries.

In this article I’m going to cover the three ways martial arts positively affects your mindset, enabling you to be the corner man or woman you need in your life.

1. Mental Toughness

Being able to continue when the going gets tough is a trait I believe many lack in this day and age.

When it’s your first couple times on the mat, you’ll feel like everyone is better than you, and sometimes you don’t know what to expect in a gym.

The following article gives you a good example of how a class will be.

I remember thinking like this when I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. But you quickly realize it’s a marathon not a sprint, and you’re going to have to be persistent as a beginner to see results.

The show “Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000)” is an animated series about an upcoming boxer working his way up the ranks, which you should definitely check out!

It depicts the main character “Ippo Makunouchi” displaying mental toughness through his boxing career.

His journey really does a great job conveying how hard martial arts can be, but also how rewarding it can feel when you achieve your goals.

2. Humility

When you first start any martial art, unless you’re a prodigy which still requires an open mind, the likelihood is that you’ll be in situations where you’ll quickly realize that you’ve got a lot to learn, and that’s great…if you see it that way.

In a video I made a while ago, I mention that those who aren’t willing to admit when they don’t know what they’re doing, rarely tend to stick around for long.

In this game you’ve got to be willing to listen and learn. You can only do that if you’re modest enough to take advice on board.

A quote from Carlos Gracie, the godfather of Jiu Jitsu, says “There is no losing in jiu-jitsu. You either win or you learn.” This shows how humility can lead you onto great learning curves.

3. Honesty

You can’t hide any of your weaknesses in martial arts. If you’ve got slick striking but your ground game is lacking in some areas you’ll find out, and most importantly your opponent will too.

Honesty in martial arts helps to improve your mental relationship with yourself. I think in life sometimes we can try to hide, or be dishonest with ourselves but the reality is we always know when that’s the case.

For example you’ve got a New Year’s resolution of getting promoted to a higher belt, but you’ve been inconsistent with training, one could make excuses like “I’ve just been really busy lately.” Or “I’m tired after a hard day’s work.” But the reality is deep down, if you’re being 100% honest with yourself, you know there’s more to give on your side.

At the end of the day, being untruthful with yourself may work in other areas of life, but it doesn’t work in martial arts.

By correcting your faults, and taking a hard look at your journey as a martial artist, you’ll be able to improve and one day reach your goals.

How important are the 3 qualities; mental toughness, humility and honesty in developing your martial warrior mindset? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram!

GET YOUR MIND OVER MATTER with more inspo from the KINGDOM of FU, and our Top 3 and Top 5 MMA series including exclusive interviews with top fighters such as Anderson Silva, and Cung Le, as well as action actors and stuntmen such as Dolph Lundgren and Andy Cheng!

Switch your mental game on in KFK gear, and subscribe for more of the psychology of FU on YouTube!