How Does Martial Arts Teach Discipline?

Most people are aware that discipline is a foundational principle in any martial art. But how exactly does martial arts teach discipline? 

Practicing and learning martial arts is becoming increasingly popular across the world, particularly so in Australia with over a quarter of a million participants nationwide. Apart from the obvious fitness benefits that comes with the intense physical activity involved, the sharpening of personal discipline is a big reason why so many are picking up martial arts.

In this article, we’ll expound on the importance of discipline in marital arts, how martial arts teaches discipline, and how you can benefit from it. 

Table of Contents 

• Discipline: A Core Principle of Martial Arts
• How Martial Arts Teaches Discipline
  • Learning Through Rules
  • Progressive Training
  • Mastery Over Body and Mind

Discipline: A Core Principle of Martial Arts 

Many martial arts have deep roots in diverse cultures all over the world, including popular styles such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Wing Chun, just to name a few. At the core of each of these martial arts is the core principle of discipline. 

At first glance, martial arts seems to focus on teaching students how to fight or defend themselves. While that is true, the way these techniques are taught are designed to hone one’s discipline and self-mastery.

Discipline is a character trait that is invaluable at any age — it affects mental focus, the way we interact with others, and how we approach challenges. With martial arts, students will be given the opportunity to exercise discipline in every part of their practice, from class routine to physical drills.

How Martial Arts Teaches Discipline

Martial arts training places individuals in the perfect environment to learn discipline. Each martial art class or program is segmented into well-structured routines with clear goals and progression routes. Classes are led by qualified instructors who are masters of the martial arts they teach, and students lead alongside one another.

There are 3 main ways that marital arts teaches discipline:

Learning Through Rules

Most forms of martial arts, whether competitive or not, have clearly defined rules that guide learning and practice behaviour. Students are taught to be responsible for their own actions and play by the rules, honing their ability to make their own decisions and discipline themselves.

Progressive Training

Training is done progressively with defined goals set throughout the program for students to achieve. This sets a precedent for students to be expectant of what they will learn, as well as track their own progress as they learn and practice, teaching them the importance of self discipline in helping them achieve results.

Mastery Over Body and Mind

Finally, students will be taught to discipline their minds and bodies to reach their goals. The concept of willpower is very closely tied to discipline, and martial arts encourages students to have control over their mental and physical capabilities, making them more capable individuals in life.

Final Thoughts

It should be said that martial arts is not an easy sport, and for good reason. Martial arts masters given due respected in recognition of the focus, effort, and discipline they have exercised to get to where they are. Students will no doubt face challenges when practicing martial arts, giving them opportunities to sharpen their discipline to overcome the obstacles they face, and later on in life.

Discipline is one of the key areas of focus in our martial arts programs here at UMF Academy. Unlike other martial arts programs, our school uses the industry-leading Character Development System, which is specially designed in-house to teach our students valuable traits like discipline and respect. If you would like to learn more about how our martial arts programs can teach discipline effectively, give us a call today!