Enter the dojo: discover the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003 by Jennifer Lawler

Beyond Physical Fitness

Buller compares martial arts training to "moving meditation" because it helps people remain calm and balanced, thus improving mental outlook. This is essential for people trying to cope with today's hectic lifestyles. "Martial arts training helps you kick away stress. You come in, you kick the heavy bag--it's a knockout workout. That's why so many pro athletes are turning to martial arts training," Hackworth says.

Formichelli reports that karate training provided benefits she didn't foresee--it helped her get off her anxiety medications. "I haven't had a panic attack since I started training," she reveals. The focus and concentration she's learned has also helped her career and personal interactions. "If someone cuts me off in traffic, I don't start yelling 'You jerk!' like I might have before, she explains. "I try to think from their perspective. Maybe they're in a hurry or didn't see me." The school Formichelli attends has five rules it expects students to follow, in and out of the training hall, including improving one's character, remaining honest and loyal, displaying humility, strengthening one's spirituality and courtesy. "We learn to be courteous to and respect one another," Formichelli says.

Trying to live by the dojo (i.e., training hall) rules has made Formichelli happier in her personal life. "I keep a more positive attitude. Sometimes I'll say, 'Oh, I can't do that,' and the sensei [i.e., teacher] always tells me, 'Yes, you can! You do it now!'" The teacher reminds her she will have to practice a kick thousands of times before getting it right. That lesson has overlapped into her work and personal life. "I catch myself when I say negative things about myself, rephrase it in a positive way and give myself more credit."

Buller enthusiastically concurs that participating in martial arts has contributed to her personal and professional success. "I wouldn't have had the courage to abandon corporate life for the job I have--and love--now," she admits. "My life has changed 100 percent since starting martial arts--I had lost who I was; martial arts saved my life."

Adding Martial Arts to Your Repertoire

Debz Buller, who teaches martial arts, kickboxing and yoga at corporate wellness centers, says fitness enthusiasts and professionals can find satisfying full-time or part-time work teaching martial arts-related classes. "I don't feel like I'm working," she declares. "I play and get paid for it."

Preparation

Buller stresses the importance of certifications. She is certified as a kickboxing coach and cardio-karate teacher through the National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA) and to reach self defense by the American Self Defense Association. In addition, she obtained ACE, AFAA and ISSA certifications, although these are not required for all the classes she teaches.

Meeting Demand

When Bullet approached fitness coordinators at corporate wellness centers about offering kickboxing, yoga and tai chi classes, the staff often took a demonstration class and then asked if she also taught seminars. Taking the hint, she soon began offering weekend martial arts and kickboxing clinics. Then, a client asked her to give self-defense seminars to help employees feel safer and more confident at work. So, she began offering "Common Sense Self Defense."