November 2005 | Whole Health
To Be Engaged & Healthy...Make It Martial Arts
by Bob Condor
I am looking to begin a martial arts program because I’m attracted to the possibility of being more disciplined and stronger. How do I choose? —Ted in Seattle
Writing about martial arts is always hazardous. There are so many forms and avid followers of the different forms. Focusing on one martial art typically gets other enthusiasts to e-mail about their favorite one. That alone is a positive.
Martial arts keep people engaged—and healthy—for years, if they stick with it for at least three to six months. Followers of a certain discipline take ownership of that activity find self-motivation in those early months that stokes them for years.
With martial arts, discipline is a key word. Remember that the word “discipline” comes from the word “disciple” and not, say, “punishment” or “rectify.” It is vital to find an instructor/mentor/martial arts master whom you are comfortable emulating. If you don’t imagine a particular teacher as your role model, look for someone else.
Choosing the best discipline for you will require some trial-and-error. One matter to consider is whether you are choosing martial arts for actual self-defense skills or, for example, mental clarity.
Additionally, some martial arts emphasize the fighting elements (see sidebar).
My suggestion is to start with a healing form, such as qigong. Qigong is a centuries old Chinese healing art performed in a series of what appear to be simple deep-breathing exercises and subtle movements, such as flexing torso muscles.
Tai chi could be called a subset of qigong. It’s a solid, gentle introduction to martial arts, and research shows tai chi to be particularly valuable for older adults. Tai chi improves balance and coordination and helps prevent accidental falls.
In contrast, qigong is more intense for body and mind. Its deep-breathing component is much more than a matter of inhaling and exhaling air. You will break a sweat with the right instructor.
“A deep breath alone will not bring you more oxygen,’’ said Roger Jahnke, an osteopathic physician in Santa Barbara and author of The Healing Promise of Qi. “You must get yourself into a state of relaxation to benefit from deeper, more purposeful breathing.’’
The mental component requires total focus, but that’s what causes workouts to reduce stress and bring clarity. Jahnke and other qigong instructors speak frequently about how qigong students learn to get into such relaxation states within seconds, for numerous mini-breaks during a day. Your hour qigong session can help you reap benefits for stressful moments to come.
Who can’t use more of that?
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