Valley Park, MO Martial Arts

Martial Arts. Are you seeking to something to add to your daily life in Valley Park, MO – something that is good for you and will help you cope with stress and make you physically and mentally healthier? Gracie Barra is the number one martial arts team in the world, for top quality coaching, unbreakable interpersonal relationships, and countless improvements to your physical and mental health which take place when practicing martial arts.

Sign up at Gracie Barra now and discover how Valley Park, 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.

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Types of Martial Arts

Each martial art is distinct, but martial arts as a general term refers to a collection of different types systems of combat and defense training meant to defend against threats and defeat opponents. Each different style of martial arts has a distinct 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 Valley Park, MO martial arts students is a special approach that incorporates principles of several martial arts from different styles. We primarily identify as a Brazilian jiu jitsu gym, but also borrow techniques used and taught in other martial arts including muay thai, judo, and kickboxing. Martial arts at Gracie Barra is a comprehensive program where you will master Brazilian jiu jitsu and other martial arts skills.

Physical Benefits of Martial Arts

Martial arts is both an art and a sport. It is a holistic approach to wellness and strength of the mind, body, and spirit. If you are looking for a way to get healthier and grow as an individual, Valley Park, MO martial arts is a gateway to self-improvement. The advantages of practicing martial arts like the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes Gracie Barra is known for are many and powerful.

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 meet the recommended amount of aerobic exercise. In martial arts, training and warm up routines naturally elevate the heart rate and fortifies heart health.

2. Muscle Tone

Martial arts is an excellent way to 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 Valley Park, MO martial arts, it is easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.

4. Reflexes

In martial arts, individuals are challenged to heighten 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. It’s always important to stretch before engaging in any physical activity, and the stretches and warm up routine at the beginning of every Gracie Barra martial arts class helps improve flexibility and allows your body to move smoother, quicker, and easier. Other benefits of flexibility are improved posture, reduced risk of injury, and less 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 it is nothing without the technique, skill, and experience of a practiced martial arts practitioner, strength in the ingredient that enhances these technical abilities in martial arts like BJJ. Conditioning in practice and sparring at full-strength with equal partners build muscle and strength that make you even more successful in your martial arts of choice.

7. Balance and Coordination

Stability is essential in martial arts, and so is coordination. The moves taught in Valley Park, 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 regular physical activity, increased heart health, and improved physical health that occur through the practice of martial arts, you will enjoy 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 mitigates 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

With a regular workout schedule, like attending weekly classes at Gracie Barra, you are left with more energy. This is due to the increased blood flow and cardiovascular health that circulates oxygen-rich blood through your body more efficiently. After martial arts or other activities, you are also able to sleep better, allowing you to be more refreshed when you wake up.

3. Peace and Balance

Inner peace and tranquility are undeniable skills taught by martial arts. Martial arts is a form of a meditation or mindfulness exercise, pushing your mind to be in the present. This quality puts you 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 just for kids anymore. Many adults who practice Valley Park, MO martial arts have found improvements in matters of discipline such as the difficulty of 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. The martial arts learning and competing process 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 people 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 class keeps you moving and working towards your goals and helps motivate you to focus on your priorities both inside of and beyond your martial arts life.

8. Relationships

Valley Park, MO martial arts classes and competitions are a special way to form uniquely powerful relationships with others. Between you and your coaches is a bond of mutual respect. Between the people you learn and struggle with, you will have a camaraderie and understanding of each other in a way that you don’t generally find in other types of interpersonal relationships. In Valley Park, MO martial arts, the challenges you face and overcome form long-lasting, quality friendships.

Through these benefits, martial arts has a powerful effect 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 Valley Park, MO | Gracie Barra

If you are motivated to change your life, in search of a hobby, or need to add more physical activity in your lifestyle, Valley Park, MO martial arts are perfect for you. Gracie Barra is a unique Valley Park, MO martial arts experience that emphasizes 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 Valley Park, MO martial arts gym for you.

Don’t deny yourself the world of martial arts and its astounding benefits any longer. 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.

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