Jun 19, 20223 min read

MMA For Mental Health | Men’s Health Week Edition

As part of the national Men’s Health Week we wanted to shine a light on how Mixed Martial Arts training can help to improve one very important aspect of men’s health; mental health. 🧠

A recent longitudinal study conducted by 'Ten to Men' found mental ill-health is one of the biggest factors affecting all men across Australia, with up to 1 in 4 men surveyed experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder (e.g. anxiety & depression). It was found individuals who exercise regularly are often more aware of their mental state and able to better manage any existing mental health conditions. The group that exercised regularly also reported to have a better diet, gets a good nights rest and have a clear mind in general. For over 30 years there's been various studies documenting the benefits of Mixed Martial Arts (a specialty at the Den!) for mental health. These studies showed martial arts offer unique benefits over and above other forms of training (e.g. Lifting weights at the gym) due to some of these qualities:

Respecting others, being faithful and sincere, exerting oneself in order to improve, not only physically but building internal fortitude and character.
Community based. Martial Arts is practiced with like minded people in an encouraging/supportive environment. Some of the best friendships are born within the gym walls.
The control of mind and body, and an increase in self confidence which carries into other areas of life (workplace, friendships, families etc).

These studies have shown that regular martial arts training not only improves physical fitness, but has the potential to increase self-esteem, build resilience, promote emotional stability and assertiveness and even reduce aggression.

Here's what some of our pack had to say about how martial arts training has improved their mental health:

“When training or competing, there is a huge emphasis on navigating your way out of challenging and difficult situations. This also applies to life as it shows you there are always better strategies and techniques in order to deal with adversity and stressful situations. Martial arts proves to you that in order to deal with life’s challenges, you need to be calm and calculated and you need to have an effective strategy instead of just relying on emotion and impulsivity. My training also helps to develop the confidence and stability within the self and gives me additional purpose and goals to reach in my everyday life. Without martial arts, Wolves Den, my coaches and teammates, I would not be the person I am today and I would not be able to approach the other areas of my life with the confidence I do.” - Dominic Brown

“It’s my zen place, I love the grind, the mental and physical challenges. The biggest thing for me currently is watching the young fella grow as he undertakes his own training journey”. - Michael Olden

“Actions lead emotions better than emotions lead actions." Pushing to your physical limits day in day out, week in week out sets you apart from your former self and probably 90 percent of the population. BJJ kept me on the right path mentally during mum's diagnosis late last year, the thought of not being on the mats just wasn't an option. So mental initially but the physical benefits further reinforce the decision. - Tyler York

“For me I train for my mental health; it helps eliminate stress and generally removes any agitations built through the day” - Danny Coleman

Prevents me from strangling my customers!😂 All jokes aside, it’s a great release and I can certainly tell my behavior changes when not training. Training helps me keep calm in difficult and testing situations. - Mike Buckland