HOW DOES MARTIAL ARTS HELP WITH ANXIETY?
If you’re someone who has dealt with anxiety, you know exactly how much it can disrupt your life. The constant state of worry and unease can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. While you may think anxiety is a useless feeling, it actually comes from our body’s defense mechanisms. Anxiety is activated during a threatening situation and helps us survive. In the face of danger, anxiety triggers our fight or flight response so we can react accordingly.
And while our fight or flight mechanism helped us better survive over the centuries, it is not nearly as relevant with today’s creature comforts. Severe anxiety that is out of proportion to the initial trigger is harmful to one’s health. The recurring and intrusive worry can interfere with daily function, cause increased blood pressure, nausea, and other harmful side-effects. It is imperative to control the level and duration of anxiety to safeguard your health and wellness.
There are many effective ways to manage anxiety. Through exercise, meditation, therapy, many people can limit the negative effects anxiety has on their health and well-being. The regular practice of martial arts is a highly effective way to manage anxiety. Check it out:
Managing Anxiety with Martial Arts Classes
Anxiety can’t thrive in a mind that is focused on the here and now. A mind that is focused on precise posture, movements, and breathing doesn’t have time to worry.
Authentic Kung Fu training has always been about so much more than the physical practice. A discipline built on the mind and body connection – mental strength and perseverance have always been among the many benefits of martial arts training.
So, while discipline and self-control might be what you immediately think of, the mindfulness of martial arts practice itself forces you to be mentally present. That required presence prohibits the wandering of the mind and the creeping in of the worry and anxious thoughts.
Physical and Mental Health are Connected
Physical activity has long been a proven way to limit the effects of anxiety. Martial Arts practice is a great physical exertion that meets that criteria, while also providing other physical outlets as part of the activity.
The act of aerobic exercise stimulates your body to produce endorphins. The feel-good hormone, endorphins lift your mood and energize you.
The physical outlet of releasing the tension, stress, and anxiety of the day in a class where you can kick, punch, and scream in a safe and supportive environment is invaluable. After class, you’ll feel the day’s worries have weakened, and your outlook will be clearer.
Long-Lasting Benefits
The focus and mindfulness, the mental strength and fortitude, and the regular release of endorphins achieved in martial arts class will spill over into the rest of your days and weeks improving your ability to manage anxiety as it presents itself. With time, your fight-or-flight response will require different, more appropriate triggers, and your general anxiety will decrease.
We recommend children and adults alike try our martial arts classes to help lower anxiety. Call today to request a free semi-private lesson at one of our two locations.
Owings Mills: (443) 394-9222
Marriottsville: (443) 545-5566
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.