Mental strength development

Mental strength development: How Krav Maga and Kickboxing help you cope with setbacks

Everyone experiences unpleasant things in life. Your relationship breaks down, you lose a loved one, or maybe you unexpectedly lose your job. We have little control over these, but what we can influence is how we deal with them. This ability is called mental strength, and martial arts like Krav Maga and kickboxing can surprisingly help you with that.

What is mental strength, actually?

Psychologists often compare mental strength to a kind of shield. Well, it might be a bit abstract, but you can imagine that this shield protects you from stress and setbacks. The stronger your shield, the better you cope with unpleasant events. For example, if you did not receive enough positive affirmation during your youth, your shield is probably a bit weaker. Your mental strength is then smaller, causing you to become overwhelmed by stress more quickly.

Why Krav Maga and Kickboxing?

Alright, you might be thinking: how can Krav Maga or kickboxing help me with this? Well, to be honest, these sports are more than just kicks and punches. They require discipline, focus, and especially a lot of perseverance. I have personally experienced that when I push my limits in the gym, I find it easier to do this outside the gym as well. Krav Maga and kickboxing teach you to stay calm, even when it gets tough.

Imagine your sparring partner coming at you with a series of quick attacks. At first, it might feel overwhelming, but over time you learn to maintain your composure and use your technique. This is exactly how mental strength works in everyday life. You learn to assess situations better, panic less quickly, and act effectively.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a realistic and instinctive self-defense system designed to quickly and effectively neutralize threats. It combines techniques from various martial arts to provide practical solutions for real-world situations.

Practical tips to enhance your mental strength

Here are six concrete tips that I have personally benefited from:

1. Accept your situation

Well, nobody wants to feel pain, of course. However, it helps to acknowledge and accept that pain. Only then can you do something about your situation. Ask yourself: what can I do now?

2. Trust yourself

Don't think: 'I can't handle this.' Try to see yourself as your best friend. What would you say to him or her? Probably something encouraging, right? So say that to yourself as well.

3. Observe your thoughts

Instead of criticizing yourself with 'I'm a failure,' try: 'I'm thinking that I'm a failure.' It may sound strange, but it truly helps to create some distance.

4. Seek support

You don't have to do everything alone. Often, you'll get much more support than you expect when you're just open about your feelings.

5. Be grateful

It may sound clichéd, but write down one thing every day that you are grateful for. This helps to keep your mindset positive.

6. Vary your approach

Try a different response when you experience stress. Are you someone who gives up easily? Then persevere. Are you always very active? Then take a step back.

Krav Maga and kickboxing: more than physical strength

Personally, I believe that Krav Maga and kickboxing are the ways to enhance your mental strength. They force you to take on challenges and teach you how to cope with stressful situations. You might be thinking now: well, I'm not very athletic at all. But that's not necessary at all. These sports are suitable for everyone, regardless of your age or fitness level.

You might still be hesitant, but just give it a try. Who knows, you might discover, just like I did, that training mental strength can actually be quite fun – and that you also get physically fit from it. A win-win, right?

So, if you're looking for a way to enhance your mental strength, give Krav Maga or kickboxing a chance. You might be surprised at what it brings you.