Does martial arts build Confidence ?

[freefighter2010]

They say martial arts builds confidence. Yes and No reason being confidence is context specific. Maybe it makes us more confident as men to fight and defend ourselves but thats only a fragment of confidence represents.

What are your thoughts ?

Thanks

[Paul-M]

I think it does, I mean sparring will build your self confidence, especially if it's in front of people because you won't want to look like a cock. As you go up the ranks and start teaching the beginners that can also give you greater confidence. But at the end of the day, it's only going to help you be more confident, not actually do it for you. I think if someone wants to become more confident, they have to do it themselves and nothing can do it for them even though martial arts will help. Face your fears. =D

[freefighter2010]

Paul,

I agree because theres alot of generalisation when companies advertise thier so called Style. "Help build confidence to allow you walk through life". Now I believe this is incorrect.

A teacher who teaches maths is confident teaching the subject he is competent in however put him in a dojo and he will shit his pants. Likewise put a martial artist in a maths class full of kids he would have no idea how to captivate the kids and teach them simple because he is not competent and will therefore lack the confidence to do this.

There are so many different types of confidence u cant generalise

[Guest]

Good thread freefighter.

I think it depends on the culture and mentality of the art or group you train with. Many instructors and groups seem intent on infecting people with fear and paranoia, as opposed to any kind of real confidence. I think if your art is honest, if you are progressively tested, and if your instructor and team encourage a positive attitude of friendship and involvement – then martial arts is an excellent breeding ground for confidence.

I do also believe this confidence is not just about walking down the street and feeling a little more secure in the face of a confrontation. If you train hard and are in shape, the state of your physical self translates directly to your mental state. I think feeling fit, strong and healthy has to be a great starting ground for wider confidence in life. Also, I attribute much of the progression in my work career to the confidence gained through my training and teaching. If someone gets on my case and starts to challenge me in a meeting I just think “last night I was in the ring with a former European champion, what are you going to say that will intimidate me?” Standing in front of a group of Directors and trying to get buy in for my proposal seems like a walk in the park after standing in front of a team of soldiers and commanding their attention and interest.

I think as a final point, pretty much all of my best friends and my immediate support group came from martial arts. Your close friends are always a great asset when it comes to helping your confidence, and if it wasn’t for martial arts I never would have met some of the wonderful people I have the good fortune of calling my friends.

Just my personal thoughts.

[KirkhamsEbooks.]

Yes it builds confidence which transfers nicely to other parts of one's life. Unfortunately sometimes this confidence for self-defense is a false confidence depending on the instructor

Rick