Money, Martial Arts. These 2 words are not often found together in a single sentence and it is easy to see why. Muay Thai originated not for money-making purposes but as a necessity to defend Thailand against intruders and instil various values such as discipline and respect in the 14th century. After World War 1, with the opening up of Thailand to the outside world, more tourist came to Thailand and partook in the Thai culture, thereby also bringing back elements of the Thai culture when they went back to their own country. This resulted in Muay Thai being introduced and adopted as an alternative form of martial arts and today, Muay Thai is practiced around the world, not just by Thais but people of every nationality, of different ethnicity.
However, money have impacted the way Muay Thai is perceived today. Thanks to ONE Championship and the investment they have made in terms to hosting competitions, bringing in some of the best fighters Muay Thai have to offer, Muay Thai have received an unprecedented amount of success and recognition among martial arts practitioners. In fact, Muay Thai have even been claimed to be one of the foundations one have to grasp to be able to engage in MMA. Many big time businessman and entrepreneurs such as the likes of Joris Merks-Benjaminsen, Head of Research- Marketing of Chrome, Android, Google+ and YouTube, are actually also martial arts practitioner. In today blog, we will be looking at the benefit of martial arts and why some of the most powerful man in the business world practices martial arts and what it brings to the table for them. So, let’s dive right in.
Martial arts help to build confidence and self-reliance for those who practice it and these skill sets are what is valuable especially in the commercial world where business gurus are required to have an eye for the occasional risk taking and the confidence to back their judgement and decision. Moreover, martial arts also teaches it’s practitioners the importance of discipline and mental resilience not just in the ring, but also off it as well. In fact, Chatri Sityodong, CEO of ONE Championship attributed his training in Muay Thai since young and the unbreakable warrior spirit to conquer adversity in life the discipline has imparted him to him to be the reason why he was able to press on and persevere despite his family going bankrupt and homeless during the Asian Financial Crisis.
Among others, martial arts also teaches us how to and help us manage the different stressors of life. This is because the physical movement of throwing a punch, kicking, elbowing, kneeing, and more can be a good outlet to vent. Striking is an excellent way to release pent-up stressful energy – nothing beats pad work or bag work when you need to let off some steam. Moreover, research have proven that when your heart gets that pump when you are exercising, your body releases endorphins. These are neurotransmitters responsible for making you feel good. It can alleviate the feeling of pain and anxiety or stress. Learning a new skill forces us to focus on the present moment and temporarily forget about our to-do list and other responsibilities or deadlines. This is especially true and relevant for business owners who often are kept to a very rigid timeline and is often susceptible to all kind of stressors in life. Having an avenue where they can just rewind and unwind in an satisfying yet healthy manner is sure to not only help improve their physical health but their mental health as well.
In today blog, we’ve talked about the benefits of martial arts and why many top executive swear by it. ( I guess it, it got to be beneficial for them to take time out to train and practice despite their busy schedule.) However, martial arts is not an exclusive sport only reserved to the rich and powerful. We too can participate in Muay Thai and reap the benefit the sports can bring to us, both the tangible and intangible. So do not wait anymore, sign up for a class at The Jungle and reap the benefits today!
Signing off,
J
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