Martial Arts in Redondo Beach
The word STRESS tends to carry very negative connotations in our modern society. If you are stressed, it is typically synonymous with overwhelmed and unhappy. This, however, does not have to be the case. A recent New York Times article, “Why Can Some Kids Handle Pressure While Others Fall Apart?” investigates how genetics can impact our ability to handle stress.
Martial Arts in Redondo Beach article part II
Study shows that there is a genetic factor to how we respond to stressful situations. The basics: when we experience stress, our brain (the prefrontal cortex, responsible for problem solving, planning decision making) is flooded with dopamine. For most people, this is a healthy process and often needed to induce an action response. The study found that those people who had the gene were better able to handle the rush of dopamine because their brain processed it and cleared it quickly. Those without the gene processed the dopamine more slowly and were thus overwhelmed (similar to a car’s engine being flooded with gas). When the slower processors became overwhelmed, the tendency was to shut down and thus not perform to their potential. In the study, the slower processors were labeled Worriers and the faster were the Warriors due to their responses to stress.
Martial Arts in Redondo Beach article part III
The article goes on to discuss how further genetic studies are being conducted with military and special forces. The findings tend to be that even in the absence of the “Warrior” gene, with sufficient training in completing tasks under pressure, even “Worriers” can perform like “Warriors”. It is all in the way we approach stress and preparedness. When reading this article, I found clear connections to all aspects of life, including martial arts training. It is clear that some people have more natural tendencies when acting under pressure. This is why it is important for all of us, however, to train consistently and to send positive messages to ourselves regarding the onset of stress. When we are ready for it and accept it as an energizing force as opposed to an impediment to success, we can all feel like Warriors in the face of stress.
Martial Arts in Redondo Beach continued part IV
Most of our programs consist of testing. Belts are not just given away once promoted into any advanced program. Whether Krav Maga, Kali / Silat, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing and/or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) the stress of testing is evident. It is important to understand the above mentioned article and take into consideration whether you are a “worrier” or a “warrior.” Either way, preparation is key. Confront what is in front of you. Take the tough road. It is often the right road.
Colleen Marconet
Instructor of Martial Arts in Redondo Beach
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
Martial Arts in Redondo Beach
Martial Arts in Redondo Beach <<< facebook link!
