Martial Arts and Sports - Mu Han (Joe Sexton)

Martial arts and competitive sports hold many similarities, but that only holds true on the surface. However when looked at in depth it is clear that there is a distinct difference between the two. Martial arts is more that just an athletic game which is competitive in nature. These two activities differ by the types of competition as wells as the levels of competition. Furthermore martial arts training can be used to enhance certain physical abilities important to various sports. Most all martial arts not only train physical aspects, but there is also mental conditioning as well. The martial arts offer a more holistic approach to training and competition, than sports by exercising body and mind.

Sports are considered to be competitive games, which are physical character, and in most cases are played in teams. Some of the most well know and popular sports in America are baseball, basketball, and football. In most cases the professional athletes who play them are thought to be the embodiment of physical ability. American sports put the main focus on physical ability of the athletes. In many cases winning is considered the most important part of the competition. Achieving personal best, and improving ones abilities reduced to an oversight. 

Martial arts are also competitive and physical in nature. However martial arts competition can be held at multiple levels and in different forms. Different martial arts schools can be though of as teams, many times competition is between two opponents. Personal competition is most common, attempting to beat a personal best and reaching individual goals. Competition is also held at many different levels of experience. While many American sports are played on only a few levels; amateur, pick up, and professional. Most martial arts hold different forms of competition at all belt levels, and almost all age groups.

The training methods used in martial arts can also be applied to most sports to improve performance. From my own personal experience I know this is true. I am an avid rock climber a sport that requires physical strength and stamina. After starting training in tae kwon do I noticed a marked increase in my climbing abilities. Tae kwon do increased my stamina, flexibility, balance and strength, all which helped to make me a better climber.  I am now able to attempt longer more difficult climbs once far too intimidating to try.

Mental aspects of martial arts training can also be beneficial to performance in sports. The self-discipline, and motivation learned through martial arts training can be applied to other sports to improve ability. Another personal example is how I applied these aspects of training in order to prepare for a triathlon. Ordinarily I do run or swim as part of my regular training, mainly because I do not enjoy either. In order to train I applied the same ideals I learned through martial arts training to training for the triathlon. I forced myself to run, swim and bike almost everyday pushing myself to the best of my ability. I achieved this by applying the same ideals and motivations I learned from training in tae kwon do.

Martial arts offer holistic forms of competition and all-inclusive methods of training. Because martial arts consists of almost all fighting styles it offers itself to a wider variety of training methods and forms of competition. Martial arts competition not only places you against other contestants but also against yourself. It pushes you to better yourself both mentally and physically, while constantly achieving and resetting your goals.