Self-esteem begins with self-defense. The ability to defend yourself against bullies and predators builds self-confidence and self-respect. With this knowledge comes higher levels of self-esteem and this knowledge is incredibly empowering. Not only does martial arts training increase physical strength but it also increases mental awareness. People who know how to protect their body carry themselves differently and are less likely to attract negative attention or run the risk of being bullied.

In self-defense, confidence is the degree of trust you have in your ability to successfully deal with (and win!) a threatening or confrontational situation. If you train consistently you can make a dramatic impact on your level of self-confidence. This confidence easily spills over into other aspects of your life, making you more effective every day. Self-esteem has two basic components, the first being a basic confidence when facing life’s challenges and the second being a sense of self-worth and happiness. When you are prepared to stand up for yourself, assert your rights as a human being, and even risk injuring another person to protect yourself you are declaring so much about your own importance and value as person. Proper self-defense training develops the knowledge, skill, and willingness to resolve legitimate threats against our own personal safety.

Women build self-confidence when they learn how to defend themselves in realistic scenarios. They learn to transform fear into positive fighting energy and hence learn to deal with feelings of anger, inferiority, and helplessness. Smart self-defense training is intense enough to strengthen and tone muscles, burn up extra body fat, and generate positive hormonal response that drastically alter the way you feel about yourself. Self-defense plus self-discipline equals self-confidence and a confident person is a happy person.

When children are unable to defend themselves they constantly feel intimidated or threatened, which makes learning at school or feeling comfortable in social situations extremely difficult. Knowing martial arts gives children the self-confidence to live their lives without fearing others. Martial arts instructors teach children that while their first inclination upon facing challenges is to surrender, it’s crucial to barrel through until they finish that task or win that competition. If we teach children to overcome these obstacles we teach them perseverance and this self-discipline leads to a life of achievement. Self-satisfaction grows into self-confidence and these children will grow into strong and happy adults with high levels of self-esteem.

Self-defense and martial arts courses are obviously a great way to build self-confidence levels. Not only do these exercises make your body physically more fit but they also train the mind to be more disciplined and aware of those around you. Even after completing the course, you can do the workout with the help of quality martial arts supplies available in market stores. Knowing how to defend yourself against predators erases any fear of protection, liberating you from the shackles of insecurity, shyness, and dependence upon others. It’s a great way to teach goal setting to children, independence to women, and increase self-esteem in everyone who gives it a try. Next time you’re feeling blue drop into a martial arts class and see what you learn: it could change your life.

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I am Anne Alexander. I love to write. I love to travel. I love to learn, and I love to discuss the big questions in life. If you have any thoughts to share with me, visit my G+ profile – https://plus.google.com/u/0/106720614042724038695/posts

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