Top 7 Benefits of Martial Arts for Women

Women have been dominating the combat sports scene, offering some of the most technical and exciting fights in promotions such as the UFC. This rising generation of athletes has been inspiring other women across the globe to add martial arts to their daily lives.

Additionally, increasing numbers of women are taking up traditional martial arts, not just cardio kickboxing, to improve their physical and mental health. Here are some of the top benefits female martial arts students can expect:

1. Self Defence

From Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA to Kung Fu, martial arts offer an incredible variety of ways to defend yourself.  Punches, kicks, takedowns, and chokeholds are just some of the possibilities you can learn in martial arts classes. The training also equips students with the physical strength and mental sharpness needed to help in potentially dangerous situations.

1. Weight Loss and Fitness

Martial arts train every muscle in your body./ Whether you choose striking or grappling, or both, you will experience an increase in cardiovascular fitness as well as overall physical strength. The areas of the body women most want to train, such as the arms, legs, and core, are all targeted in sessions while still learning a new skill.

1. Self Confidence

Combat sports teach women to strike skillfully, accurately, and powerfully. This empowers women to explore a side of themselves that is not always welcomed in other environments. By learning something new and showing up consistently to classes, students also develop confidence in themselves and their abilities while lessening their fear of feedback and failure, which is a part of the martial arts journey.

1. Sisterhood

The martial arts community is like no other;’ to find a group of people that for at least an hour walk the same path as you is something truly special. The bonds that are made in class between women can turn into lifelong friendships. Partner work is an essential part of these sports and creates an environment of reciprocity that brings participants closer together.

1. Mental Strength

Martial arts have been proven to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. Not only is it a great form of release for pent-up emotions, but it also helps to build mental resilience and discipline. Classes can be challenging and will inevitably push you out of your comfort zone, but students soon learn how capable they are of doing things they previously thought they could not do. 

1. Better Mood

Students often report elevated moods as a result of martial arts training. Exercise has been proven to be as effective as medication for some people who struggle with depression and anxiety. In addition, students tend to make positive lifestyle changes to facilitate their progress. This can be anything from drinking more water to eating healthier or in the way they deal with the outside world. All of these contribute to more happiness and appreciation for life in general.

1. Fun

The best part of joining martial arts is that it is always fun, no matter how challenging the class may be. The community is tight-knit, but welcoming and the journey is fun, inspiring, and lifelong. Martial arts is a testament that fitness and self-improvement can be a challenging and fun process that brings many positive benefits to your life.

Warrior Woman Way exists to welcome and introduce female participants into martial arts. These spaces can be intimidating for women, often because they are so male-dominated, but we are more than happy to address any concerns you may have. We invite you to come as you are, and we will guide you every step of the way.