Mindful Warrior: How Meditation Complements Martial Arts Practice

There has always been a strong connection between martial arts and meditation. Depending on who you ask, meditation and martial arts may be considered two sides of the same coin.

The truth is that meditation compliments martial arts and vice versa. It’s important to remember that martial arts is more than a form of self-defense - it is a state of being. Some would even call it an art form.

Despite the strong tie between martial arts and meditation, many people have lost sight of this. Or, more accurately, people have lost sight of what this means. The importance of meditation has gone by the wayside. Let’s take a few minutes to fully understand how the two work together and complement each other.

What Is Meditation?

This entire article could focus on meditation, but to attempt to keep this short, meditation is about clearing your mind and focusing on the present. Typically, a person meditates through a combination of physical and mental techniques.

There are dozens of meditation methods, including body-centered, contemplation, mantra, mindfulness, and visual-based meditation. Additionally, anyone can utilize any combination of these methods. This means that there is likely something for everyone.

Many cultures see meditation as part of a religious experience. However, one need not be religious to participate in meditation - or receive the benefits of it.

Cognitive Flexibility and Creativity

In 2009, The University of North Carolina did a study focusing on the benefits of meditation. Their results found that just four days of meditation significantly impacts cognitive flexibility and creativity. Put another way, a few days of meditation profoundly affect how people solve problems and find creative solutions.

How does this increase benefit your performance in martial arts? The answer is both simple and complicated. The ability to solve problems will significantly help one during a sparring session, as they can react accordingly to their partner. Likewise, it can help a person memorize and perfect the countless moves required in any martial arts form.

Increasing Focus

One of the most significant benefits of meditation is the increased focus people often experience. Columbia University Medical Center found that a few minutes of meditation per day can result in higher focus and concentration levels.

Additionally, meditation can significantly increase one’s ability to visualize. Visualization is an essential part of martial arts, as it makes the execution of moves (or any physical activity) flow more smoothly.

Prepping for Competition

When a martial artist is sparring or in a competition, they must manage several things simultaneously. They must watch their opponent, recall all their lessons, and maintain focus. Any of those can be a challenge, so you will sometimes see a newer martial artist struggling.

Those who practice meditation before a match will find that they have an easier time as they have prepped for their competition (casual or formal). They’ve essentially primed their brain for adaptability and change. This makes it easier to stay in the moment and maintain focus.

Reduced Stress And Anxiety

Many people have found that meditation has a positive effect on their stress and anxiety, and there are plenty of studies to back this belief up. Likewise, martial arts can positively affect mental health - however, there is one caveat. Those competing at a high level often experience increased anxiety and stress. Meditation can complement martial arts here, improving one’s stress levels.

Furthermore, meditation can help promote positive feelings. This improves overall well-being, making it easier for a person to reach their full potential. This is true on and off the mats, as meditation can help those outside martial arts.

The benefits of meditation and martial arts cannot be ignored. Both have significant advantages, and these benefits can be compounded when working together. In other words, there’s no reason to neglect one while perfecting the other.