A family member recently took up kickboxing. Not perhaps the first hobby you would expect a non -exercising, late thirties, housewife to take up, but hey expectations are such limiting things!
I had expected this to be a violent and aggressive activity when in fact the opposite is the case. Since joining their class they have experienced only support, guidance encouragement and tolerance from all. The lessons promote discipline, self awareness and respect for others – all noble virtues.
The real surprise to me though has not been that my expectations about martial arts were wrong or that this person wanted to do a martial art, although that did take me back a little at first, but rather the incredible benefits they have already begun to realise from doing it.
They have told me in no uncertain terms how confident and positive they feel after attending just a couple of sessions. It being autumn at the moment it’s quite chilly in the evening and after a long day looking after children I know they don’t always want to go out into the cold night and drive half an hour to the dojo.
Yet week in, week out they have done it and every single time they have come back both exhausted and happy! The troubles and cares of the day wiped away by the rigorous exercise.
Now a short term gain in positivity might be expected from a good work out but the thing that I find fascinating, and what I want to share with you, is that this person is finding the effects lasting. They have spoken to me of how they are gaining a new perspective on life. A perspective that is positive and empowering.
They have described how since taking up kickboxing they have realised that previously in their life they have lived as a victim. Not in big dramatic way but in lots of small ways that have truly limited and curtailed their life. For example they would let the comments of friends or enemies, seriously affect their self esteem and self image or they would hesitate to make decisions because of concerns about what other people might say.
All are very common limitations that so many of us place on ourselves. So the brilliant fact is that now, after only a couple weeks of kick boxing, the person describes themselves as ‘independent’. The opinions of others matter only to the right extent and they feel free to take the decisions they want to.
All in all, for this person, taking up a martial art has been an enlightening and life changing decision. They feel fitter, healthier and independent. Three great ways to feel.
So I present the thought that if you are looking to develop killer confidence and independence then consider taking up a martial art – or indeed any other hobby that inspires passion and a good workout!
Until next time;
Stephen
Stephen Hart
