Whether its drugs or alcohol, there is no doubt substance abuse changes a person’s life. Addiction takes over both the body and mind. No cure for ridding oneself from addiction exists, there is only therapy that leads to recovery, and even then it is always possible for the person to slip back into their old ways. The closest thing to a cure for substance abuse is motivation – to leave the world of drug and alcohol addiction and to enduringly change into a person who makes better choices. Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Judo – it doesn’t matter what style, studying in any or all of them forces the body and mind to change.

Built for Motivation

Motivation is an essential part of any martial arts experience. From the moment a person begins, a goal is set before them – achieving Black Belt. Anyone who has reached that level of training knows how difficult the journey can be. That is one of the reasons why the other colored belts exist. Each color belt is a smaller, achievable short-term goal. Reaching for each of the short-term goals will eventually bring about long-term success. Belt rank is a physical reminder of how much a person has learned and provides a reward when someone reaches a new level of knowledge and understanding. The system also creates a time for celebrating the progress made along the journey.

Training environment plays a significant role in motivating each student to reach success, as well. Most martial arts classes are communal. In this environment, students learn and practice with others of the same age or rank. Exercising in a group motivates people to do their personal best, so they can keep up with their peers and look their best. Being surrounded by others who are also struggling and working toward success reassures people that they are not alone and gives them a sense of community. Striving for a goal with a group makes it a little harder to quit or give up, because of the bonds built during the experience. Having a source of positive peer pressure is a great switch from the negative peer pressure associated with substance abuse.

Beginning the Journey

When a person takes their first pill or drinks alcohol for the first time, in that moment they are taking their first step down a path that can lead to addiction. As time goes on, if a person decides to continue down that path, step by step substance abuse becomes a part of their life. With any form of therapy it is unrealistic to expect instant results, especially when the problem has been growing over time. Recovery must start the same way the addiction did, by taking that first step. One of the reasons why karate is so successful is because it encourages self-improvement one step at a time. Black Belts are not made overnight; it takes years of dedication and hard work for people to make that transformation. Training in martial arts forces the individual to be patient, with themselves and the world around them.

Committing to Change

When stepping onto the floor donned in a white belt, ready for the first martial arts lesson, it is a true commitment to change. Martial arts training changes a person’s life, because no one can go through the exercises without it effecting both the body and mind. The blocks, strikes, kicks, stances, and all of the movements in any martial art style are detailed and complex. Mastering the techniques requires a change of perspective, moving and thinking in new ways. During the process, people become more aware of their current physical condition and the potential of their future.

The changes every martial artist undergoes are not just physical. In fact, the most dramatic changes are mental and behavioral. Many schools will not allow their students to advance in belt rank if they lack discipline, regardless of whether or not they have met the physical requirements. Discipline is instilled in every serious martial arts school. Students must attend their classes on time, wear the appropriate uniform, and speak respectfully to their instructors and fellow students. Instructors typically challenge their students with a demanding curriculum and they do not allow their students to give up (unless continuing would cause harm) or move on to the next phase until they succeed. Being coached to overcome challenges and encouraged not to give up builds the discipline necessary to be successful. With practice, disciplined behavior becomes natural and it can be seen in other areas of their life.

Drugs and alcohol enter the lives of young adults from all walks of life, but particularly those with low self-esteem. Self-value can sometimes only be seen after accomplishing something. Performing the same moves as Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan might feel like fantasy, but in all honesty it is not. Learning martial arts does take practice and perseverance and anyone of any age can do it. Instructors take the time to watch everyone in their classes and counsel each student on how they can personally improve as an individual. Doing something that once seemed impossible is an incredible self-esteem booster.

Lifelong Results

Training in martial arts is a lifelong journey that never ends. Even after achieving Black Belt, students can work toward mastership or begin studying in another style. There is always something new to learn or improvement to be made. Self-improvement never ends, because nobody is perfect. Martial arts helps people reach for new heights to become their personal best and gives them the tools to continue improving for the rest of their life, even if they aren’t actively training. Turning around addiction and kicking substance abuse out of a person’s life, for their entire lifetime, is possible. Martial arts is one way to make what was not possible today, possible tomorrow.