How Krav Maga Is Helping My Personal Development Journey

Every year, I look for new things to add to my personal development journey, so I don’t become stagnant in my growth. In February of 2022, I started taking Krav Maga and wanted to share with you how it’s helping my personal development journey. I’m hoping you’ll use this as inspiration to help you on your personal growth path. 

Fitness has always been a part of my life. In the past, I’ve experimented with other forms of martial arts … but I have been drawn to Krav Maga because of the self-defense element. I think it’s smart to learn how to defend yourself … and I have a wife and 3 daughters, so yeah.

As you read how Krav Maga has helped me in personal development, I’m hoping you’ll filter this through whatever martial art, sport, or fitness challenge will work best for you.

Let’s dive in!

Pushes Me Outside of My Comfort Zone

The first thing I want to mention is that the idea of grappling with total strangers is definitely beyond what I’d consider a comfortable thing to do. That’s why I spent time looking for the right school. I went in for a free trial class and could tell it was the right place for me. 

Of course, I was nervous about trying it … but I’m convinced that when you become stagnant in life, you stop growing. To keep myself from backing out, I immediately signed up for a 6-month commitment. And now I’m a year in and totally committed!

It doesn’t have to be martial arts for you. There are a lot of things you can do that will push you outside of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s an extreme sport, running a marathon, obstacle races, a dance class … anything that will push your comfort levels. 

You do something you’re not comfortable with … and you grow.

It’s still unnerving for me to go to class, spar, grapple, etc.–but I’m starting to get used to it. 

Helps Me Stay Committed to Reaching a Goal

I’ve always wanted to be a black belt, but I’ve never stuck with it long enough to get one. And I realized that if it doesn’t happen now– I’m 44 years old–it likely never will. I’m now committed to getting there by the time I’m 50.

This goal is helping me in my personal growth journey because now that I’m committed to getting a black belt, I have to be consistent and disciplined with going to class and doing my best.

It’s funny … the other day I was saying how tired I was and that I may not go to class. Well, my daughter heard me and reminded me that if I was going to get my black belt, I couldn’t skip.

How’s that for accountability?

Helps Me Feel Accomplished

I recently got my yellow belt … and after class I felt great! It took me three hours to do the test, and man, I was sore the next day, lol. But I felt that I had accomplished something … you know the feeling … it feels great. After putting in a year of work, I had something tangible to show for it. 

Builds Discipline 

Working through a belt system like in Krav Maga will build discipline. In order to have the skills you need to progress, you have to show up and put in the work. And being consistent with most things in life is necessary in your personal development journey. 

Wrapping Up

Martial arts and self-defense classes seem pretty cut and dry on the surface. But if you peel away the layers of the onion, it checks off a lot of boxes for your personal development journey: fitness, goal setting, discipline, accountability, and pushing beyond your comfort zone. This is why I wanted to share this with you, so it will plant a seed in you. 

Key Takeaways

• Look for ways to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
• Use martial arts, sports, or fitness challenges as a personal growth tool.
• Build discipline by putting in the reps and staying consistent. 
• Set an example for others by staying dedicated to reaching your goals.