h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello there people -

Something that really worked for me was doing kickboxing classes. It was wierd how it worked; it didn't make me feel good because I could look at people and think I could mash them up in a couple of seconds (I'm quite a peaceful chap really). It was more like it turned down the level of fear within myself. Apparently lots of people do it for confidence reasons and it's a well-known effect.

Plus you can do a whole range of Jean-Claude Van Damme moves after a while.

Has anyone else found this?

BB

Yes

Couldn't agree with you more.
I started doing Bushido just under a year ago and it has helped me dramatically. It definitely reduces the fear within yourself, because you just get used to dealing with a more confrontational atmosphere I think.
It also makes you feel good because there's so much that I'm doing that I never thought I'd be able to do. Once you do it it makes you believe that you can do pretty much anything if you put your heart and soul into it. I'd been taking this for granted for a bit, until I spoke to my brother who's a bit down at the moment, and he just hasn't got the belief to change his life for the better, and it made me realise just how much I've learned.

Just got to keep training now - got my grading coming up in a few weeks and my kicking just isn't consistent enough.

You're both right. I started training Wing Chun, a discipline of kung fu, about 6 years ago and it's definately built my confidence. As a bit of a sideline to the art, I also started reading about Taoism and Zen which helped to develop a mental attitude that deals with difficulties and setbacks without any of the religious dogmas (cliches) that 'believers' have. That said, religion is also a good tool for confidence building.

As well as the fear aspect, martial arts also give a feeling of health which boosts one's moral and confidence.