Why Ancient Martial Arts Hold the Key to Solving Modern Problems for Young Men Today

In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, young men face a new set of challenges that their fathers and grandfathers could hardly have imagined.

The blend of physical inactivity, fear, and uncertainty about the future has led to a crisis affecting health, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction.

However, an ancient practice holds the key to addressing these modern problems: martial arts.

Martial arts are not just about self-defense; they are a way of life, a philosophy that builds discipline, resilience, and strength in body and mind.

The Crisis of Inactivity and Fear

Modern life, with all its conveniences, has created an environment where physical activity is no longer a necessity.

This sedentary lifestyle, often fueled by hours spent scrolling through social media or playing video games, is contributing to an alarming increase in health issues among young men.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active, and young men are no exception.

Physical Consequences

The effects of inactivity are stark and troubling.

The risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes is increasing among young men who spend most of their day sitting.

Beyond physical health, inactivity contributes to fatigue, low energy levels, and decreased motivation.

Here are some of the physical consequences of a sedentary lifestyle:

• Weight Gain and Obesity – Sitting at a desk all day with minimal movement can lead to a calorie surplus, causing gradual weight gain over time.
• Muscle Weakness and Atrophy – Lack of physical activity results in weaker muscles, making everyday tasks like climbing stairs or lifting objects harder.
• Poor Posture and Back Pain – Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.
• Increased Risk of Heart Disease – Physical inactivity is linked to higher cholesterol levels and blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular problems.
• Reduced Flexibility and Mobility – Staying seated for long periods can stiffen joints and reduce range of motion, making movements like bending or stretching more difficult.
• Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes – Sedentary behavior reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Bone Loss (Osteoporosis) – Without regular weight-bearing activities like walking or lifting, bones lose density, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers – Prolonged physical inactivity has been associated with a higher risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancers.
• Slowed Metabolism – Sitting for extended periods can reduce the body’s ability to break down fats and sugars, contributing to slower metabolism.
• Decreased Circulation and Risk of Blood Clots – Prolonged sitting, especially during long flights or workdays, can lead to poor blood circulation and an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Mental Consequences

Equally concerning is the rise of fear and anxiety.

In a world where images of perfection are broadcasted daily, young men are finding themselves trapped by the fear of failure and judgment.

Social media perpetuates a culture of comparison, where achievements are measured against carefully curated highlight reels, making the fear of not measuring up all the more intense.

Imagine waking up each day with a nagging sense of dread, knowing that your potential is wasted and your dreams are slipping away.

This fear-driven mindset can cripple decision-making, leading to missed opportunities and stunted growth.

Instead of facing challenges, many young men retreat to their comfort zones, trapped by the very fears they seek to escape.

Here are some mental consequences of a sedentary lifestyle:

• Increased Risk of Depression – Prolonged inactivity can contribute to feelings of isolation and sadness. Someone who spends most of their time indoors without social interaction may experience a growing sense of disconnection and sadness.
• Cognitive Decline – Lack of physical activity can impair memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. A person who sits at a desk all day may find it harder to concentrate or recall information as time goes on.
• Anxiety – Sedentary behavior may increase stress levels, leading to anxiety. Without regular physical outlets for stress, a person may experience restlessness and worry, feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks.
• Decreased Motivation – Physical inactivity can lead to a sense of lethargy and lack of drive to engage in tasks or goals. Someone who spends most of their day sitting in front of the TV may feel unmotivated to pursue hobbies or goals they once enjoyed.
• Poor Sleep Quality – A sedentary lifestyle can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless sleep. A person who doesn’t get enough physical movement during the day may struggle to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling fatigued.
• Low Self-Esteem – Reduced physical activity can affect body image and self-perception, leading to lower self-worth. Someone who avoids physical activity may become dissatisfied with their appearance and feel less confident in social situations.
• Decreased Mental Resilience – A lack of regular physical exertion can reduce your ability to cope with stress and challenges. A person who doesn’t engage in physical activities might feel mentally drained or overwhelmed by setbacks that they would have previously handled better.
• Emotional Instability – Sedentary behavior can negatively affect mood regulation, leading to more frequent mood swings. A person leading a sedentary lifestyle may feel irritable or angry without clear reasons, reacting more emotionally to small problems.

But here’s the thing: these problems don’t magically disappear with age.

Inactivity and fear will compound, turning into regret and unfulfilled potential if left unchecked.

The longer you allow these issues to persist, the more daunting they become, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

Martial Arts as a Solution

Enter martial arts—a discipline that offers a powerful counter to the modern malaise of inactivity and fear.

At its core, martial arts is about transformation: of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

It’s about learning to fight not just opponents, but also the battles within.

Physical Benefits

Martial arts training is an antidote to the sedentary lifestyle.

It is a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Whether you’re practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or traditional karate, you’ll find yourself moving in dynamic ways that challenge every muscle group.

This physical exertion not only improves fitness but also boosts energy levels and enhances overall well-being.

I’ve seen this countless times in my decades on the mat.

Consider a young man who walks into a dojo for the first time.

He is out of shape, anxious, and unsure of himself. As he starts training, he feels muscles he didn’t know he had.

Each session leaves him sweating and exhausted, but with each drop of sweat, he sheds a layer of self-doubt.

He begins to stand a little taller, move with a little more purpose. His body becomes a vehicle of empowerment, a testament to his dedication and growth.

Mental Resilience

Beyond the physical, martial arts training is a mental journey.

Every punch, kick, and block is an opportunity to face and overcome fear.

In the dojo, failure is not something to be feared; it is embraced as a learning experience.

Every time you fall, you get back up. Every time you miss a target, you adjust and try again.

This process builds resilience, teaching you that setbacks are not the end but a stepping stone to success.

I can personally attest to this, as a physically small guy, I was always facing guys bigger and stronger than me.

On the mat, you face opponents who test your limits.

The fear of getting hit or taken down is real, but it’s also an opportunity to confront that fear head-on.

In doing so, you learn that fear is not an obstacle but a signal that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

With each sparring session, you develop a mental toughness that translates into everyday life.

You become more confident in your ability to face challenges, both big and small.

Emotional Growth

So many conflicts occur due to emotional insecurities or sensitivity.

Martial arts training allows you to experience the full range of your emotions on a regular basis.

From mind-numbing fear from sparring/rolling with more powerful partners.

To the joy of facing fear and coming through on the other side, not only better but also more confident for having faced your fears.

And most important, the comradery you feel with your fellow students as you work together to support and challenge each other to be better warriors, leaders, and human beings.

When I was younger, insecure and full of fear, every little challenge would set me off, either exploding in anger or cowering in fear.

But as I began to train, first in Aikido, then later Hapkido and other styles, I developed the emotional resilience and strength to better relax and not take things personally.

Things that would set me off when I was younger, like somebody bumping into me in public, not only didn’t bother me but it also helped me to develop the situational awareness to avoid such missteps in the first place.

And if little bumps did happen, I could happily and easily defuse the situation because I knew apologizing and checking to see if the other person was okay, in no way, took away from my strength or “manhood.”

Achieving Long-Term Goals

Martial arts is not about instant gratification; it’s about commitment and perseverance.

The journey from white belt to black belt is a long one, requiring years of practice, dedication, and hard work.

This path mirrors the journey of life, where achieving meaningful goals requires patience and persistence.

Discipline and Focus

Martial arts teach you the importance of discipline.

Training requires you to show up consistently, even on days when motivation is low.

This discipline becomes a habit that spills over into other areas of your life.

You learn to set goals, prioritize your time, and focus on what truly matters.

I knew this guy, let’s call him Alex, a young professional struggling to stay motivated at work.

After starting martial arts training, he noticed a shift in his mindset.

The discipline he cultivated on the mat began to influence his approach to work.

He became more organized, more efficient, and more determined to achieve his career goals.

The lessons learned in the dojo helped him rise to challenges, transforming him into a leader in his field.

Perseverance

In martial arts, progress is slow but steady.

There are no shortcuts to mastery.

This teaches you the value of perseverance—the ability to keep going despite setbacks and obstacles.

Whether you’re working towards a promotion or a personal goal, the perseverance you develop in martial arts will serve you well.

A hapkido classmate I’ll call Sarah, a student who struggled with self-doubt.

Through martial arts, she learned the importance of perseverance.

When she faced a particularly challenging technique, she didn’t give up.

Instead, she kept practicing, adjusting her approach until she succeeded.

This perseverance helped her not only in martial arts but also in her studies, where she overcame academic hurdles and achieved her dreams.

The Dojo: A Microcosm of Life

The lessons learned on the mat extend far beyond the dojo.

The dojo becomes a microcosm of life—a place where you learn to navigate challenges, build relationships, and develop the skills necessary for success in all areas of life.

Problem-Solving Skills

In martial arts, every movement is a problem to be solved.

You learn to analyze your opponent’s moves, anticipate their next step, and find creative solutions.

This problem-solving mindset is invaluable in life and work, where challenges often require innovative thinking.

Imagine being in a tight spot during sparring, with your opponent applying pressure.

You can’t rely on brute force alone.

You must think strategically, using technique and leverage to find a way out.

This skill translates to life, where obstacles often require thoughtful analysis and creative solutions.

Community and Belonging

Martial arts foster a sense of community and belonging.

In the dojo, you are part of a team, working together to achieve common goals.

This sense of camaraderie provides support and encouragement, helping you stay motivated on your journey.

Many young men find themselves feeling isolated and disconnected in today’s digital world.

The dojo offers a space where they can connect with others who share their values and aspirations.

Through shared experiences, they build friendships that extend beyond the mat, creating a support network that helps them navigate life’s challenges.

A Prettier Vision of the Solution

Imagine waking up each day with a sense of purpose and confidence.

Your body is strong, your mind is sharp, and you have the tools to tackle whatever life throws your way.

The fear that once held you back is now a motivator, pushing you to embrace challenges and grow.

This is the vision that martial arts offers—a future where you are empowered to live life to the fullest.

Transforming Fear into Fuel

Martial arts teaches you to view fear not as an enemy but as a catalyst for growth.

You learn to harness fear’s energy, using it to propel you forward rather than hold you back.

Picture yourself standing in front of a board, ready to break it with a powerful strike.

The fear of failure looms large, but instead of succumbing to it, you channel that fear into focus.

With a swift, decisive movement, the board breaks, symbolizing the shattering of limitations in your life.

Building Resilience for Life’s Challenges

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and martial arts provide the perfect training ground.

You learn to weather storms with grace and strength, emerging stronger on the other side.

In martial arts, setbacks are inevitable.

Whether it’s a loss in competition or a difficult technique, you learn to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.

This resilience becomes a part of who you are, helping you face life’s challenges with unwavering determination.

Only by going too far can you find out how far you can go, building the resilience that will serve you well in life.

I found this out in 1992, when sparring a bit too hard, I got my spleen ruptured and later removed in the hospital.

Many students and some instructors were shocked to see me return to the mat about a year later, but to me it made perfect sense.

I wanted to learn how to never be injured like that again by training even smarter and not being a quitter.

Call To Action

It’s time to take action.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want to break free from the cycle of inactivity and fear, martial arts could be the answer.

Explore local dojos or online programs, and take the first step toward transforming your life.

Whether you’re interested in karate, jiu-jitsu, or taekwondo, there’s a style and instructor that will be well-suited to your particular needs.

In my many years of training, I’ve worked with people in wheelchairs, without the use of their arms, AARP card-carrying seniors, kids, and everything in between.

Remember, martial arts aren’t just about fighting; they’re about fighting for a better version of yourself.

Start Your Journey

Research local martial arts schools and find one that resonates with you.

Attend a trial class, speak with instructors, and get a feel for the community.

The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most important.

This is what I tell people when they ask me how to get started;

First, find all of the schools in a 15-20 minute radius of your home. You don’t want to use travel time as one more excuse for not training when you’re tired, burnt out and had a stressful day. And it will happen.

Make a list of all of the schools and you will check all of them out before you make a choice.

Now for each school, enter the school from their main entrance, this is especially true if they have a back door to the parking area. When you step into the main entrance, step off to the side so that you’re not blocking the entrance and stop. Close your eyes and “feel” the place.

If it doesn’t feel good for any reason, don’t say anything, just turn around and walk out.

If it does feel good, great! See about watching a beginner class. You will not be watching for what they are learning, what you’re watching for is how does the instructor teach.

Watching the instructor does (s)he care for the students? Is he paying attention to what they are doing? Does he explain things clearly until understood?

Martial arts will challenge you to go to scary places, doing scary things, that is one of its biggest benefits. But you won’t do that if you don’t trust and respect the teacher, if the teacher doesn’t help you to feel safe.

That’s what you’re looking for.

After doing this for all the schools on your list, pick the one that felt the best, not what style you think is best, in the beginning you don’t know enough about the different styles to make that determination, yet.

Commit to training at that school for at least a year, hopefully going to 3 to 4 classes per week.

After a year of consistent training, you will then have a foundation of understanding to see if this is a place that you want to continue training at or if you need to pivot to a different style, school, or training system.