Different martial arts techniques have been practiced all over the world for centuries. They are a set of various fighting sports and skills from different regions of the world.
When you hear the word martial arts, the first few things that would pop up in your mind are the Chinese ninjas, Brazilian jiu-Jitsu, Samurai Swords, or some famous actors like Bruce Lee.
There is an ongoing debate about whether boxing is a martial art or not. Some people disagree that boxing is a martial art because it is not designed for warfare or killing.
Surprisingly, boxing incorporates all the elements of martial arts sports that makes it the perfect martial art of all times.
Why is Boxing Considered a Martial Arts?
According to the dictionary, the word ‘Martial’ is defined as something suited for war or related to a warrior. Most people deny boxing to be a martial art because it doesn’t incorporate a warlike setting.
Other criteria that are needed for arts are that the techniques used in sport could be defined in writing, it helps in psychological development, and it can preserve culture.
So, let’s have a look at how boxing meets all these 4 four criteria to be considered as a martial art.
Can Be Used in Warlike Situation
Firstly, you need to know that boxing can have your back in a war situation. Consider yourself struggling for your life in a war and you have no weapons to fight.
What would you do to defend yourself? The only thing that you could do is put your hands up and take advantage of boxing techniques to defend yourself.
History has also proven that boxing can help you effectively during a war. During World War 1, The United States troops engaged in boxing training for hand-to-hand combat and it also proved successful in boosting their morale.
Some of these troops continued practicing boxing professionally even after the war. And, these service boxers made appearances at Seattle’s Crystal Pool natatorium.
Can Be Defined in Writing
Boxing satisfies the second criteria of martial arts that is to define the techniques in a written form.
All the different techniques used in boxing that combine for attacks can be explained in writings.
You can technically learn the basics of boxing after reading an article online or from a textbook.
Although, training and regular practice would be needed to get good at it.
Boxing Can Be Used to Preserve Culture
Boxing is not a new martial art, its origins can be traced in Iraq originating from the 3rd Millennium BCE. Etchings were discovered from the nations of Assyria and Babylonia which were related to boxing.
It was introduced in the Olympics back in 688 B.C. Back then, boxing was greatly admired by the people of ancient Greece.
Boxing tells us a lot about the culture and history of those regions. So, it could be used to preserve culture and history.
Back then, boxing matches didn’t consist of rounds. The fighters competed until one of them conceded defeat.
Helps in Psychological Development
Science has proven that boxing is a form of exercise that releases the production of endorphins. These are the hormones that relax your mind and boost your mood.
When you are sparring, you are more likely to be focused on the present moment and not focus on any worries of your life.
Boxing can sharpen your memory and improve the quality of your sleep. Most of the mental problems arise due to the problems in our sleeping schedule and boxing can solve them.
The physical pain that boxers go through ends up increasing their tolerance levels. The higher tolerance levels of boxers are another sign that boxing aids psychological development.
Most of the time, boxing is also compared to a game of chess due to the role of the mind during a boxing match. You need to develop strategy and defend yourselves from punches just in a matter of seconds.
Without a sharp mind, you could never win a match. When a boxer steps in the ring distracted by other factors, he is more likely to make critical mistakes.
Reasons Why Boxing Is the Perfect Martial Art
As we have discussed how boxing is included in the field of martial arts, now we should know why it is considered one of the best martial arts.
Beginners Can Learn Easily
If you are thinking of getting into martial arts but don’t know where to start then learning how to box can open up many doors for you.
You can learn boxing instantly; the fundamentals are easy for beginners. You can easily pick the basic boxing techniques within the first few sessions.
If you don’t want to go to classes you can learn boxing at home by watching online videos or reading famous books on boxing techniques.
To start boxing at home all you need is a punching bag. If you don’t want to buy it for now then you can also start with shadow boxing.
For other martial arts such as karate, jiu-jitsu, or wrestling you should enroll yourself in a club only then you would be able to learn the basics.
Even the advanced boxing techniques are not that difficult and you can perfect them under the guidance of an expert trainer.
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Less Offensive Techniques
As a beginner, you wouldn’t be used to hard punches or deadly submissions. So, that’s where boxing can help you.
Among the majority of striking martial arts such as karate, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu, Boxing is the only discipline that has a limit to offensive techniques.
Through boxing, you can efficiently learn how to punch before you take up other martial arts and learn how to use your legs to throw kicks or use techniques to knock your opponent.
It Is the Ultimate Full-Body Workout
If you want to lose fat and develop some muscles then a boxing workout is all that you would ever need.
Most people are getting into boxing only for the sake of getting fit. It stimulates your muscle groups through aerobic and aerobic movements.
Boxing is extremely beneficial in strengthening your entire body. If you are struggling to lose some stubborn belly fat then boxing is the best choice you have.
As boxing impacts the major muscle groups in your body, it can eventually help you in developing your arms, shoulder, chest, and legs with proper nutrition.
If you are worried because of your low stamina and being tired just after climbing the stairs of your office then there is nothing more beneficial for you than boxing.
As boxing requires fast movements, it puts your breathing and heart rate at an elevated level. Gradually this helps you in building stamina and endurance.
Improved Motor Skills
Boxing mainly depends on focusing your movements and hand-eye coordination. These motor skills don’t only help you in the ring but also play an important role in your daily life.
The individuals who box regularly tend to have better reflex actions in all physical activities of their life.
You might not worry about this when you are young but, this will be handy during old age when coordination and balance decrease could be more threatening.
It Helps in Fighting Stress
Boxing requires focus and being present in the moment, when you are in the ring you can switch off from the outside world and be present in the moment.
Unlike running on a treadmill where you are thinking of your day or talking to someone on call, boxing demands your focus on the opponent or the punching bag.
Boxing stimulates the release of endorphins that are the stress-fighting hormones. It helps in boosting your mood and creating feel-good thoughts.
Boxing is not only beneficial for physical strength, but it also helps you in building self-confidence and that fighting spirit can be helpful in dealing with challenging life situations.
If you struggle with anger issues then boxing can help to channelize your anger into productive areas.
It is the safest way to release tension and aggression without hurting yourself or others around you.
You will find a lot of like-minded people when you have enrolled yourself in a boxing class, making new friends at the club can help you psychologically if you are suffering from stress or depression.
Learn Self-defense Skills
Imagine that you are walking down the street minding your own business and all of sudden two robbers jump on you and try to steal your belongings.
The basic boxing techniques and strength developed through training can come in handy in such situations.
Boxing training combines different defensive and attacking skills to keep a distance from the opponent and defend yourself in a street fight.
Self Defense is extremely important if you are a woman, it teaches you a lot more than just knowing how to defend yourself.
It gives you the courage to discover the world and try out new experiences without any fear.
Self-defense skills can increase your confidence, it allows you to have trust in yourself to handle a difficult situation.
Whether you are just walking alone at night or traveling to a foreign country all by yourself, you will be feeling 10 times safer if you have developed self-defense skills through boxing.
Improve Other Martial Art Sports
Boxing is the gateway to all other martial arts. If you are able to perfect your boxing skills then you can easily improve other martial arts such as karate, MMA, and kickboxing.
In addition to this, you will be able to improve other exercises such as running, cardio, and weight training.
When you are into boxing, you have to try out a variety of different exercises to build strength and stamina.
If you have a goal of becoming a professional boxer, then you are motivated towards maintaining an exercise routine. This eventually helps you in becoming good at all kinds of training programs.
Boxing Helps You to Excel in All Walks of Life
In boxing, you have control of your success and failures. If you put in the right effort and train regularly there are more chances of knocking out your opponent.
Through this, boxing helps you in developing the attributes of self-confidence and sportsmanship. It knocks the sense of accountability in your personality.
A boxer doesn’t blame others for his defeat, he knows that he is the only one responsible for success or defeat.
With such positive attributes, you can easily succeed in all walks of life. It teaches you that great things can never happen from your comfort zone so you need to step out of it.
When you step in the ring, there are many things that you could relate to real life. In the first round, you might get knocked out but it doesn’t matter because you are still in the fight.
As long as you have the courage to stand up and continue the fight there is nothing that could stop you from winning.
Boxing teaches us no matter how hard life hits you, you will never lose until you have the courage to face those defeats.
Takeaway
There are a variety of reasons that prove why boxing can be considered among the top sports in martial arts.
If you are a beginner in martial arts then boxing could be your best choice, it’s a gateway to the world of martial arts.
Due to the numerous physical and psychological benefits, boxing workouts can help you get in better shape even if you don’t plan to become a professional boxer.
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