Many martial arts students choose to supplement their Taekwondo training with yoga. And if you look at these two disciplines carefully, you’ll notice several similarities.
- Like martial arts, yoga allows you to move and progress at your own pace.
- You don’t need to be at a certain level to start either martial arts or yoga.
- And, both martial arts and yoga lead to several physical and mental health benefits.
If you are looking for a way to supplement your martial arts training, yoga is a great choice. Here are a few of the benefits of practicing yoga as part of your Taekwondo training:
1. Development of Flexibility
If flexibility isn’t one of your strengths as a Taekwondo practitioner, yoga can help you develop more flexibility. If you’re nervous about trying yoga because you have a limited range of motion, don’t let this hold you back. Remember, anyone can practice yoga, and you can start at any time.
2. Strength and Balance
Yoga builds full-body strength and balance. At first, you might find that the standing yoga poses are particularly challenging. You’ll also notice that one side of your body seems stronger or easier to balance compared to the other. The more you practice, the more strength you’ll build throughout your entire body leading to increased strength and balance in your martial arts training.
3. Breath Control
A yoga class is as much about the breath as it is about movement. Each pose starts with the breath, and as you transition into different poses, your breath guides your movements. Yoga increases the control you have of your breath. As you gain more control of your inhales and exhales through yoga, you’ll be able to apply this control to controlled breathing in martial arts, as well.
4. A Clear Mind
As you concentrate on your breath and movements through yoga, this focus leads to a clearer mind. When you step on your yoga mat, the rest of the world fades away. The same is true of a martial arts mat. When you focus on your body and movements, the clarity helps you concentrate and get more out of your training.
5. Practice Through Repetition
As with martial arts, the goal of yoga isn’t necessarily to be the best. It’s to be your best. And the way you become your best is through constant improvement. This improvement comes from practice through repetition in both yoga and martial arts. You must be willing to commit to repeating the same skills over and over so that with time, you improve.
If you’re ready to try yoga, look for beginner-friendly classes. Also, you might try starting with a style that is low-intensity and slower moving. You’ll become more comfortable with the poses, as well as the terminology.
To learn more about TKO Taekwondo in Winter Haven, contact us today.
