Ballwin, MO Martial Arts
Martial Arts. Are you seeking to something to supplement your daily life in Ballwin, MO – something that is good for you and will leave you better equipped to work through the tough things and make you physically and mentally healthier? Gracie Barra is the world’s top martial arts team, for first-rate instruction, inextinguishable friendships, and numerous physical and mental wellness enhancements which come from practicing martial arts.
Enroll at Gracie Barra now and discover how Ballwin, MO martial arts can change your life. Contact us online, give us a call at 636-544-3655, or check out our programs to learn more.
Types of Martial Arts
Every style of martial art is unique, but martial arts as a whole is the collective systems of combat and defense training meant to defend against threats and defeat opponents. Each unique martial arts discipline is governed by a different focus and style.
Martial arts fall into one of the following categories:
- Striking or Stand-up Styles
- Boxing
- Karate
- Kickboxing
- Muay Thai
- Grappling
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Sambo
- Wrestling
- Throwing/Takedown Styles
- Aikido
- Judo
- Weapons Based Styles
- Kendo
- laido
- Low Impact Styles
- Tai Chi
- Chi Gong
What we teach at Gracie Barra to our Ballwin, MO martial arts students is a special approach that incorporates principles of several martial arts from different styles. We are best known for our Brazilian jiu jitsu teachings, but also borrow techniques used and taught in other martial arts including muay thai, judo, and kickboxing. Learn comprehensive martial arts skills and master Brazilian jiu jitsu by studying at Gracie Barra.
Physical Benefits of Martial Arts
Martial arts is both an art and a sport. It targets not only physical fitness, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Martial arts in Ballwin, MO is a path that leads to personal growth and wellness. The benefits of practicing martial arts like the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes Gracie Barra is known for are numerous and immeasurable.
1. Cardiovascular Health
It’s common knowledge that heart health is a huge factor in overall well-being. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet less than 20% of adults engage in the recommended amount of aerobic exercise. Through the training and warm up routines in martial arts naturally raise the heart rate and fortifies heart health.
2. Muscle Tone
Martial arts helps build strength and muscle tone throughout the body, including hard-to-target muscles that aren’t targetted in more conventional methods of working out like weight lifting and running. Through warm ups and training drills as well as sparring involving punching and kicking motions, with a variety of grappling and groundwork moves practiced in Brazilian jiu jitsu, builds muscle mass.
3. Weight Loss
The human body is able to burn calories and burn fat more efficiently, even at rest, when it has a higher muscle mass. With overall increased fitness and physical activity by practicing Ballwin, MO martial arts, it is easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
4. Reflexes
In martial arts, individuals are challenged to hone their reflexes. Sparring in practice and fighting in competition are excellent practice for improving reflexes. In martial arts, reflexes are vital to besting your opponent, from dodging, blocking, or maneuvering to counter-attack. Repetition of certain combinations over time builds quick reflexes and shaves down reaction times.
5. Flexibility and Mobility
Martial arts involves deep and extensive motions that require flexibility. Stretches are an important part of any physical activityAt Gracie Barra, our programs are designed with stretches and warm ups that will improve flexibility and makes for a more nimble and mobile body. Flexibility inherently improves posture, reduces the risk of injury, and reduces tension.
6. Strength
In order to defeat your opponent using martial arts, whether you are in practice, a tournament, or a real-life self-defense situation, a certain level of strength is required. While strength alone is not sufficient against an opponent who is proficient in martial arts like BJJ, proper form and knowledge of technique are enhanced by overall bodily strength. Conditioning in practice and full-strength sparring with others of the same level build muscle and strength that allow you to become even more successful in your martial arts of choice.
7. Balance and Coordination
Stability is vital in martial arts, as is coordination. The moves taught in Ballwin, MO martial arts involve a coordinated effort in moving or keeping stationary different parts of the body in complex ways. Students first practice each part of the move slowing over and over, and eventually are able to do them reflexively. As you improve in strength, flexibility, and other physical aspects, you will, too, improve in balance and coordination.
8. Blood Pressure
Through the repetition of physical movements, increased cardiovascular strength, and improved physical state that occur through the practice of martial arts, you will naturally experience a lower heart rate and reduced blood pressure.
Other Benefits of Martial Arts
1. Stress Relief
Martial arts is like other physical activities in that it helps with stress. Physical activity releases endorphins, as well as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin and reduces the negative effects of stress on the body. Plus, being surrounded by like-minded, determined people supporting and pushing you to be better is calming and encouraging – a unique benefit of martial arts.
2. More Energy
When you engage in regular workouts, such as attending weekly classes at Gracie Barra, you are left with more energy. This comes from the increased blood flow and cardiovascular health, which allows oxygen to circulate through your body more efficiently. Many people who join martial arts also report sleeping better. A better sleep cycle allows you to be more refreshed when you wake up.
3. Peace and Balance
There is no dispute about the way martial arts teaches the skills of internal peace and tranquility. Martial arts can be seen as a meditation or mindfulness exercise, pushing your mind to be in the present. You become aware and in control of your body and breathing. This translates to other areas of your life and you become more able to stay calm and centered in your life.
4. Discipline
Discipline and self-control are not skills only children need to practice. Many adults who are involved in Ballwin, MO martial arts have found improvements in matters of discipline such as quitting a bad habit. Though it is not a miracle cure (quitting smoking, drinking, or drug use should be done under the supervision of a physician), efforts can be supplemented by a dedication to martial arts.
5. Confidence and Humility
Whatever your level of confidence in yourself, it will grow to a healthier state as you move through your martial arts practice. For those who are shy or uncomfortable in front of others, belt ceremonies and tournaments encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. Those who are prone to being driven by ego are, in martial arts, asked to bare themselves honestly in front of others. Learning and mastering new skills and competing against others builds confidence and humility simultaneously: humility in encountering unfamiliar and challenging tasks, and confidence when we are able to acheive them.
6. Mental Health
With the numerous physical health effects and the stress relief and peace it teaches, mental wellness is a natural byproduct of practicing martial arts. In addition to all the individual skills and qualities that precede better mental health, in practicing martial arts you are exposed to intimate interactions with other individuals who identify with your struggles, support you on your journey, and are going through similar journeys themselves.
7. Motivation
Signing up for structured martial arts classes can have an huge impact. Committing to attending your martial arts gym regularly for weekly scheduled classes gives you accountability, moves you towards your goals and helps motivate you to focus on your priorities both inside of and beyond your martial arts life.
8. Relationships
You will form relationships through your Ballwin, MO martial arts classes and competitions that are unique and powerful. There is mutual respect observed between students and coaches. For your fellow martial artists you learn and practice with, you will have a camaraderie and understanding of each other in a way that you can’t find in other types of interpersonal relationships. In Ballwin, MO martial arts, you challenge and get to know each other and foster long-lasting, quality friendships.
The sum of many invaluable benefits, martial arts is a powerful force on your mental and emotional health. Each of the listed benefits has its own indirect positive effects on your life. When you join the martial arts community with Gracie Barra, you may very well see measurable changes in your life such as healthier familial and romantic relationships, advances in your career, and a new bank of positive memories on which to look back. Martial arts is something that can be enjoyed by all ages, so you can potentially enjoy the ongoing benefits of martial arts for the rest of your life.
Martial Arts Near Ballwin, MO | Gracie Barra
Whether you are ready to change your life, in search of a hobby, or need to incorporate more physical activity in your lifestyle, Ballwin, MO martial arts are perfect for you. Gracie Barra brings a unique Ballwin, MO martial arts experience that teaches important skills and values from various martial arts, including Brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai, kickboxing, judo, and more. For every age, every schedule, and every level of experience, Gracia Barra is the Ballwin, MO martial arts gym for you.
Don’t wait any longer to discover the astonishing, very real world that is opened up by the practice of martial arts. Try your first class for free to get a taste! Reach us online or call us at 636-544-3655 to learn more or to sign up for your first martial arts class today.
