Is self defence (eg Karate) effective in building self esteem and beating depression?

Question

Quite a few people who were picked on or bullied seem to turn to learning self defence. Is this an effective way to face your demons?

Answer 1

It worked for me. It has also filled 'gaps' in my life.
Many doctors have realised that practising martial arts can replace drug therapy for patients suffering from psychological conditions. The more aggressive styles such as kendo and kick-boxing appear to help people with problems such as depression, while the softer disciplines of aikido and t’ai chi can help people who are anxious or under a lot of stress. Lou Reed, singer and guitarist from the seminal New York rock band The Velvet Underground, who has a notoriously difficult artistic temperament, says he has tamed the rock and roll animal in his soul by practising t’ai chi for three hours a day.

Answer 2

Karate, like many oriental martial arts, is not just a fighting system, but has a whole system of self-discipline and, one could call, philosophy of life. If you are just going into it to know how to whip the bullies, then you could be missing out on some of the most important elements in karate. But you will probably still benefit from the discipline and exercise, and these have been shown to be helpful to those who would otherwise not be exercising. By all means take up karate or taekwando, kungfu, akido, judo, etc., but don't just see it as a way of getting even.

Answer 3

I would suggest that traditional self defense (Karate, Tae Kwon Do) are not the most practical answers. Other martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can offer better self defense options.

As far as improving self-esteem, martial arts training is a valid method of doing so. As one improves and is rewarded (belt-ranking, praise from others, etc.), they can physically see success in their life. This can be a great help for those battling self-esteem problems.

Answer 4

Yes it is. This is why many people turn to Martial Arts because believe it or not the training is not only physical but mental so as you work on your body you work on your mind. Many parents myself included have their children study Martial Arts so that they build up their self confidence. Martial Arts are so effective that my 10 year old daughter is doing so well in school that she was accepted into a 4 year college prep program in our area and she is doing quite well there too.

I hope this answers your question to your satisfaction.

Answer 5

If your depression is due to some severly traumatic experience in your life counseling of some sort may be in order along with the MA training.
If it is from a lack of confidence or self esteem then the MA training should do the trick.
Drug addicts alcoholics and the violent is has been discovered suffer from deep ongoing depression and doing what they do allows them to escape that feeling of worthlesness.

Answer 6

Definitely, since I started Muay Thai boxing a year ago my confidence and self esteem have rocketed. I used to be the shy flower pot in the corner but now I am loud and expressive and full of energy.

A year ago, before I started, I was depressed, shy, insecure and timid.

I am 100% certain that it is the Muay Thai that changed me.

Answer 7

Martial arts can change your life. It did for me. I was depressed for about a year. Then I started studying Bruce Lee and his philosophies. Ever since then, I've been confident and relaxed in any situation. It will give you strength and courage that you've never had before. It will even help you with the ladies my friend.

Answer 8

Yes, it can change your life.
All styles will help build confidence and eventually self esteem. Endorphins released during exercise help battle depression and a meditative style will centre you.

I think Mushins comments above are spot on.

Answer 9

yes if approached from a holistic way. the internal aspects of martial arts open the mind and spirit and good martial artists become more spiritual and self-aware. some people learn it to become bullies themselves but they usually end up quitting without learning much. energy will always overcome force. knoing you can defend yourself physically and mentally is boosting but the spiritual path leads to enlightenment and this changes the person forever. physical exercise is excellent for self-esteem and depression problems. serious mental health problems may worsen without proper medical supervision

Answer 10

I teach an autistic young boy.

He has been with me a short time and is showing progress.

Depression can be the result of poor nutrition. Eliminate sugar, dairy and white flour products from your diet. This is a great start. You will start thinking clearer.