We’ve all been there before at some point in our lives. You’re out somewhere, and someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do. Instead of saying no, you end up saying yes and find yourself dog-sitting their pet or helping out for a weekend in which you had other plans laid out.
If that sounds familiar, it might be time for you to learn how to tap into your inner warrior and learn how to say “no” without feeling like a villain. Signing up for martial arts classes is a proven way to increase your confidence and learn how to assert yourself. It can be your secret weapon in your quest to become better at championing yourself and setting boundaries.
An inability to set boundaries and assert yourself isn’t a minor issue. It will negatively impact all aspects of your life, like your interpersonal relationships, academics, and career.
The Interesting Paradox Of The Polite Pushover
Wondering how learning some punching, kicking, or grappling techniques can help with your people-pleasing tendencies? Let’s start with the basics. Learning martial arts isn’t just about learning fighting techniques. It’s a journey toward discipline, respect, and firmness.
When you train, you’ll learn how to set personal boundaries and stand your ground against your training partners, who will push you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Some of the ways signing up for martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing can help to transform you from a pushover to a powerhouse include:
1) It Gives You A Confidence Boost
As you progress through martial arts classes, you’ll feel stronger and more mentally and physically confident. The confidence you gain can also positively impact other areas of your life.
Martial arts training transforms you mentally and physically, leading to increased confidence. The more you train, the stronger your mind and body feel. Each technique you master gives you a confidence boost, and you start feeling more capable than you were before you started training.
You can thank the fast feedback loop you get when you train in martial arts. One day, you’re trying to learn a technique’s mechanics and performing it like a pro a few days later. This fast-feedback loop helps you to understand that life outside the dojo isn’t much different. Your newfound self-assurance will carry over into other aspects of your life. You’ll start feeling as powerful as you feel in the gym in social and professional settings, making it easier to say “no” and establish boundaries.
The confidence you gain from your martial arts training will carry over into other activities you do. Your posture will be improved, making you feel more assured, and your accomplishments at the dojo will make you feel confident. You’d be shocked how much little things like a strong posture can change the direction of conversations.
2) Teaches You How To Say No With Style
As you progress in BJJ, mastering techniques and movements will naturally boost your self-confidence and be able to defend yourself, making it easier for you to reject someone for unreasonable requests.
Martial arts training, particularly sparring, is about trying to impose your will on your training partners while they do the same. For example, when one of your training partners tries to secure an armbar, and you escape, you’re telling them “no” without saying it.
Martial arts teach you how to block techniques performed on you, when to attack, and when to take a step back. These principles are equally applicable in real life as they are in the dojo.
When you learn how to defend yourself, you also learn the importance of defending your personal space and time. The next time someone asks you to do something unreasonable, you can channel your inner warrior and gracefully decline.
Martial arts training teaches you how to deny techniques your training partners are trying to perform on you with direct actions. It teaches you not to let people impose their will on you. The lessons you learn on the mat will make it much easier to politely deny requests you don’t want to be bothered with.
3) Enhances Your Presence
Learning martial arts improves your posture and body language, projecting confidence that helps protect you from being taken advantage of.
Another interesting thing that occurs when you start learning a martial art is that it makes you more aware of your body language. Standing tall with your shoulders pulled back isn’t just good for your posture; it also projects confidence.
Your newly improved presence will make people less likely to try and take advantage of you. Confidence is like amor against overbearing relatives and pushy colleagues.
4) Helps With Stress Management
Martial arts clears your mind of stress, helping you assert yourself calmly in challenging situations while channeling negative emotions productively.
Martial arts classes require you to focus on the tasks at hand as your instructors explain how techniques are performed. It’s an excellent way to clear your mind of anxiety and stress. A clear mind allows you to approach situations more rationally, making it easier to assert yourself. You’re more likely to agree to do something you don’t want to when you’re flustered or anxious.
Martial arts training will also allow you to safely channel any negative emotions. You’d be shocked how clear-headed you feel after a few minutes of punching and kicking a heavy bag.
The mental clarity you get from your training will be helpful when you find yourself in challenging situations. You’ll be able to take a deep breath and respond calmly to any situation. Your clear mind will help you to champion yourself without getting emotional.
Start Your Journey
Learning martial arts will take you on a lifelong journey that will positively impact all aspects of your life. It will make you better at setting boundaries with family members, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
Your training will make you feel more comfortable in your own skin and equip you with the tools to navigate any challenges life throws your way. It will get you in the best physical shape you’ve ever been while improving your mental clarity.
Consider signing up for martial arts if you’re tired of being the go-to person for everyone who needs a favor. Your body will be transformed while your mind becomes stronger as you learn to exert yourself. You’ll notice fewer people are looking to take advantage of you when you exude confidence, directness, and calmness.
Come to one of Evolve MMA‘s complimentary introductory classes for a firsthand look at what training with world-class instructors is like.
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
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