Martial arts and combat sports are practiced in nearly every country in the world. These sports have various rule-sets for striking, grappling, and weapon usage. They are regulated to minimize permanent or severe injury for each participant through organized officiating by one or more referees. The underlying philosophy of martial arts and combat sports is not geared towards violence but rather peacemaking and conflict resolution.
The physical demands of combat sports are incredibly high and require a tremendous amount of training to master. The skills developed in these sports promote a healthy, holistic lifestyle by engaging multiple muscle groups for a full-body workout, increasing strength, speed, and endurance. They also offer stress relief through the release of endorphins during physical activity. Additionally, the camaraderie and support that is fostered within the communities of these sports encourages a positive mindset and sense of accomplishment in athletes.
Combat sports also have a unique capacity to foster social change through their ability to engage the entire community through their inclusiveness and accessibility. From a public health perspective, the integration of combat sports into community-based initiatives provides an opportunity to facilitate holistic fitness and wellness among vulnerable populations (Valdes-Badilla et al., 2021).
The competitive aspect of combat sports creates a deep desire to succeed that can have varied effects on individuals. The drive to achieve can exacerbate an athlete’s anxiety, which, unmanaged, can impact short- and long-term performance. Moreover, defeats in competition can be emotionally challenging for athletes and may lead to a loss of confidence or motivation.