Edward G. Robinson III, a Staff Writer for The News & Observer, wrote an article (pdf) entitled “Boxing helps youths fight off frustrations” that illustrates how many lives have been improved by this principle.

It has long been known that sports like boxing, kickboxing and martial arts help people develop not only supreme physical fitness, but also channel anger and stress into a positive, often life changing activity.

While some psychologists may look down upon any type of hitting for stress relief, the fact remains that millions of people have been able to get out their stress, frustration, and anger by pounding it out in a controlled, non-competitive environment.

Growing up, I had tons of anger issues. The one thing that always made me feel better was going into my basement and pounding the heavy bag that my father had bought me for just that purpose. Not only did the act of making contact seem to magically take stress away, it also made me tired. The more tired I became, the more my angry energy disappeared, and the better I felt. Many sane people have had a similar experience.

Today, as the owner of a successful martial arts school, where we teach kickboxing and self-defense, I get countless notes, letters, and testimonials from my adult students, and the parents of younger students who tell me how training at my school has changed their (child’s) life. It has taught them respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. It has gotten them into phenomenal shape. And, yes, they have also been able to channel and release pent up frustration and even rage. It is safe, non-judgmental, and nobody gets hurt. Best of all, it works. Students report that they feel calmer, yet energized and effective. They tell me that what gets them through the day is knowing that when they get to their class, they can let it all go on the targets and bags.

It seems to be a perfect example of what Dr. Hans Selye called a “Gross Physical Impact Activity.” That is where making contact of some kind relieves anger. He says that the anger actually gets transferred from your body into the object with which you are making contact. He states that anger can be channeled through four outlets: hand, feet, teeth, and voice. In other words, punching, kicking, screaming, and biting all relieve stress, frustration and anger. That would explain a lot of bad behaviors displayed by both children and adults when they do not have a healthier outlet for their emotions.

Boxing and kickboxing both involve hitting and yelling. Like the karate kiyai, participants emit a short, sharp shout upon contact with the different punching bags and kicking shields. The combination of being allowed to hit in a way that is safe for everyone, with the stress busting shouts, along with the awesome workout this process provides, creates a truly unique way to relieve the pressures of everyday life. I believe this is why so many people enjoy and participate in these activities.

When taught by a true master, the primary purpose for this type of training is personal development, both physically and mentally. When done right, a person in such an environment can utilize the energy initially derived from stress, anger or frustration to fuel an awesome body shaping workout, which also develops self-esteem and self-respect. Now that is an awesome transformation.

Photo: kate.gardiner

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