Why People Who Train Martial Arts Together From Strong Friendships?
You never know who you’ll meet and what kind of friendships you’ll forge in martial arts. One of the most rewarding experiences as a martial artist is making friends on the mat. Whether you’re a beginner or have years of training, the bond you form with your training partners is unique. Krav Maga, in particular, is known for its high-intensity and requires a special type of bond between partners.
Krav Maga is not only about learning self-defense techniques, but also about developing a preparedness and resilience mindset. This demanding style requires close contact and mutual support, creating the perfect environment for building lasting friendships. Whether pushing each other through a grueling workout or laughing after a hard-fought sparring session, the friends you make in Krav Maga will be among the closest and most supportive you’ll ever have.
The shared experiences and physical activity of Krav Maga training play a significant role in forming and maintaining close relationships.
Here are seven reasons why people who train in Krav Maga together become better friends:
- Chemistry
When people go through an adrenaline rush together, there are several chemical changes in the brain that can contribute to a feeling of bonding and connection.
One of the main chemicals involved in the adrenaline rush is adrenaline itself, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. Adrenaline increases heart rate, respiration, and blood flow, and also prepares the body for physical action, known as the “fight or flight” response.Another important chemical involved in the adrenaline rush is dopamine, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. Dopamine is released in response to pleasurable experiences, such as excitement and adventure, and helps to regulate motivation and reward.
Additionally, the hormone oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone” and has been linked to feelings of trust, empathy, and social bonding. Oxytocin levels can increase during positive social experiences, such as those that trigger an adrenaline rush.
When people go through an adrenaline rush together, the release of these chemicals can create a sense of excitement, pleasure, and bonding. The shared experience of facing a challenge or danger can also increase feelings of trust and cooperation, as individuals work together to overcome the situation.
- Time
When you consistently show up on the mat, you will often encounter the same individuals, who like you, are dedicated to their training. With repeated exposure to one another, it becomes natural to develop camaraderie and form strong bonds with your training partners. As you work together on the mat, you will rely on each other not only as training partners, but also as a team. - Trust: Training close combat often involves close full contact and drills who can put two strangers in a pretty intimate positions . This require a lot of trust between partners. Practicing with someone means you have to trust them to touch your body with respect and keep it safe, not hurt you even when they hit you. Your partner is expected to respect your boundaries, as you should respect theirs. This trust extends beyond the training facility and into their personal relationships, making them better friends.
- Support: Hard training requires support from one another, whether it’s a training partner spotting you during a blet test or helping you work on a technique. This sense of support and mutual respect extends to other aspects of life, making for stronger friendships.
- Communication: Concise communication is crucial for safety and success. This constant practice of effective communication helps individuals develop better communication skills and strengthens their relationships with others. First and foremost, you should find out your own comfort level with contact, and communicate it with you training partners, so you can feel comfortable and safe. This is required for you to build trust in them, and in yourself!
- Respect: When partnering on the mat, your goal is not to hurt them, but to help them learn and improve. Krav Maga training fosters a sense of respect for oneself and others. When you understand how important your role as a partner in the success of your fellow trainees on the mat, you become a better practioner.
The respect built on the mat extends beyond the training facility and into personal relationships, leading to deeper and more meaningful friendships. - Sense of Belonging: When people go through fire, they wire.
Can often provide a sense of belonging for individuals who may not feel like they fit in elsewhere. When people find a group of like-minded individuals who share their passion for Krav Maga, they often form strong and lasting relationships.
Research has shown that shared experiences, especially those that are challenging, can increase feelings of social connectedness and belonging. This is because when individuals work together to overcome a difficult situation, they are more likely to feel a sense of trust and empathy towards each other. - Confidence Building: Krav Maga training can help individuals build confidence in their abilities both inside and outside the training facility. This increased confidence can lead to stronger relationships and a more positive outlook on life.
Krav Maga and other combat sports can bring people together in unexpected ways. Through the challenges and triumphs of training and competition, opponents can form deep, lasting friendships. The key to these relationships is mutual respect and trust, which are built through shared experiences and a common passion for the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, the bonds you form with your training partners will be some of the strongest and most meaningful of your life..
You never know who you’ll meet on the mat, and how amazing that could be!
Do something amazing,
Tsahi Shemesh
Founder & CEO
Krav Maga Experts