Are all boxers aggressive? How martial arts affect our emotions

At first glance, it may seem that fighters are very aggressive people. After all, in training they are constantly fighting with each other. But is it really so?

Let’s find out how martial arts affect our psychological state.

Russian K-1 kickboxing medalist and UFC GYM martial arts trainer.

Martial arts classes are suitable for almost everyone.

What is boxing and kickboxing?

Boxing and kickboxing are contact sports. In boxing it is allowed to hit the opponent on the body and head, but below the waist it is forbidden to hit. In kickboxing, punches are also thrown to the head and body, both with the hands and feet.

In both sports there are allowed and prohibited punches – in the first case the judges award points, in the second – remove, and in some cases disqualify the fighter.

It is unacceptable to push your opponent and stand on his feet. During the fight it is necessary to listen to the commands of the referee (sports judge). At the command “stop!” it is necessary to stop immediately.

Dirty techniques in these sports are considered:

• A punch with an open glove.
• A punch below the waist.
• A blow to the back of the head.
• Using the top or bottom of the fist.
• Head blows.

How does martial arts help with negative emotions?

According to the martial arts coach, the role of the central nervous system in human life is colossal. It is not easy to live in a megalopolis, where we all face stress in one way or another. To store negative emotions inside yourself is not the way out. It is important to find a way that will help them spill out, and thus unload your nervous system. Physical activity, during which the hormones of happiness – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin – are produced, helps to restore mental balance. One such way is martial arts, such as boxing and kickboxing.

Yulia Lukasheva

Russian K-1 kickboxing medalist and UFC GYM martial arts trainer.

Martial arts will teach explosive and fiery people to control themselves, and teach insecure and uptight people to relax. People often come to me on the recommendation of their psychologist. After all, through training you can remove internal blocks and become more determined.

But even if you want to get rid of negative emotions through boxing or kickboxing, you need to follow a few rules:

1. In boxing and kickboxing there is a division of distance – it is work at long and middle distance, as well as work in close combat. Each athlete chooses his tactics, but most often the winning position is considered when the fighter holds the opponent at the ropes, occupying the center of the ring.

2. Points are awarded for authorized punches, so the athlete’s task is to make as many of them as possible during the fight. Therefore, it is necessary to be faster and more cunning than your opponent, to think over combinations like a game of chess, to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.

3. Do not give in to provocations and lose your temper. It is necessary to keep a sober mind throughout the fight to avoid mistakes. After all, in an aggressive state a person may not hear the coach’s commands during training or the referee’s commands.

Contrary to many stereotypes, a good fighter must have a stable psyche and be able to control his emotions. All this comes with experience, says the coach.

Controlling emotions

Boxing and kickboxing training teaches us to manage our emotions by concentrating on the process of fighting. According to the trainer, while working on the bag or boxing paws, all the negativity is released. Plus such trainings strengthen cardiovascular, nervous and muscular systems, and this positively affects our well-being, including emotional.

Yulia Lukasheva

Russian K-1 kickboxing medalist and UFC GYM martial arts coach

When practicing martial arts a person gets positive emotions that increase the activity of the brain and help, so to speak, to eliminate the consequences of stress.