HOW CAN MARTIAL ARTS OR TAI CHI HELP ME LOWER MY STRESS?
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you know that stress is very bad for a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. In today’s society, stress can be found everywhere you go. Traffic jams, full schedules, work stress, financial struggles, relationships and so on. Reducing that stress means making changes within your life, but if those changes are not possible, learning how to better manage stress is vital!
When you partake in martial arts classes or tai chi classes, you will gain many skills that will help you do just that. Manage your stress better! And with regular practice, you’ll perfect these skills, effectively reducing your stress level in the face of just as many external stressors.
Stress Reduction with Martial Arts
Attending regular martial arts classes can help you reduce your stress in a myriad of ways. The first and most obvious way is the immediate benefits of physical activity and exertion. Like running, walking, and other activities, when you practice martial arts your body will increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are a feel-good neurotransmitter that ddiminishes perception of pain, relax you and give you a euphoric feeling.
The next best stress relief comes from the cathartic benefits of martial arts training and sparring. Who doesn’t feel relief from punching and kicking? The idea is to leave your problems at the door and focus on improving your form, strength, and reflexes, but if you’re having trouble leaving stress at the door, those punches and kicks will certainly release some pent-up energy.
Feeling a connection with other people is always a good way to lower your stress levels and your reaction to stressors. The community you will become a part of with joining a martial arts class at US Kuo Shu Academy will provide you with that moral and emotional support that only a human connection can achieve.
“All work and no play…” You’ve heard the line a hundred times for a reason. If you don’t let go of the work and responsibilities and stress of life to have some fun, those stresses will overtake you. Martial arts is fun! You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you’ll enjoy a good time with great people.
Managing Stress with Tai Chi
Often referred to as “moving meditation,” Tai Chi is a great way to strengthen, stretch, and improve physical balance while slowing your mind and practicing deep breathing.
Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi) is considered an internal martial art. It focuses on the use of meditative practices and full body coordination. The movements are slow and deliberate, and there is a great deal of focus on breathing. The skill of breath control is of huge benefit during everyday life when challenges present themselves and you have to stay calm and deal with them.
The benefits of Tai Chi range from improved balance, strength, and coordination to better mental clarity, focus, and emotional wellness. Like meditation, the stress management benefits are the result of focusing on deep breathing, the movements, and slowing life down. With focused practice, there is no room for thinking about those external stressors.
Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone as it puts minimal stress on muscles and joints with very low-impact, slow and controlled movements.
Through deep breathing and meditation practices, you’re able to better control your emotional reactions to outside stress in everyday life. And the more you practice the greater the ability to manage the effects stress has on your body.
If stress is affecting your health and well-being, it is time to make a change. Try adding martial arts or Tai Chi to your schedule for stress management and better overall health. Call today to schedule your first of two FREE semi-private lessons to give US Kuo Shu a try.
Owings Mills: (443) 606-8557
Marriottsville: (443) 329-8715
What Others Say About us!
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The School has Transformed my Life.
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
Steve Smith
Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused & organized at work
It has helped me keep my sanity! Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused and organized at work. I am a better person, writer, and mother because of my experiences at USKSA. And it's been the "village" that has helped my sons learn about values and character and hard work. If you want to change your life for the better, if you want to give your children tools...then this is the place.
Xylia Hall
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people.
Jeramy Hansen
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people. Joining US Kuo Shu Academy was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Jeramy Hansen
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
The School has Transformed my Life
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The Best School of Martial Arts
My children have been students for more than 4 years now and they love this school of martial arts. US Kuo Shu Academy is their second home, learning not just Kung Fu but also developing one’s character as a good, responsible, respectful and disciplined citizen. Thank you very much Grandmaster Huang. Master Michael Hung and all the teachers and students for making this place the best school of martial arts.