adult martial arts - Pil Sung Do

Top 5 Ways Martial Arts Transforms Adult Wellness

Dotty on September 1, 2025

Most people think of martial arts as a childhood activity or something reserved for elite athletes. But in truth, adult martial arts classes are one of the most effective (and underrated) ways to improve your overall wellbeing.

If you’ve been thinking about trying martial arts for the first time, or you’re returning after a break, it’s a sign that you’re looking for more than just another fitness routine. You’re looking for purpose, progress, and perhaps a new way to reconnect with your body and mind.

Whether you’re aiming to improve your physical health, reduce stress, or find an activity that actually sticks, adult martial arts classes offer a holistic approach to wellness that goes far beyond punching and kicking.

1. It Builds Functional, Sustainable Fitness

Adult martial arts classes incorporate cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, all in one session. The exercises are rooted in real movement patterns, not machines or gym-based choreography.

You’ll work hard, yes, but you’ll also move with purpose. And because the focus is on progression and technique, you’re less likely to burn out or get bored.

Unlike traditional gym routines that often isolate muscle groups or rely on repetitive motions, martial arts training delivers full-body results through dynamic movement.

For example, a recent study on an 8-week Bajiquan training programme found notable improvements in participants’ physical fitness and body composition, highlighting martial arts as a time-efficient, health-promoting training modality.

2. It Supports Mental Health and Emotional Balance

Exercise is a proven mood booster, but adult martial arts classes take things a step further. The structured routines, focused movements, and clear progression help cultivate mental clarity and emotional resilience.

In fact, emerging research shows that martial arts training significantly boosts attention and executive functions in adults, contributing to better mental sharpness and focus. This is especially valuable for professionals balancing demanding schedules.

You’re not just working out, you’re learning to stay calm under pressure, to manage frustration, and to push through discomfort in a supportive, structured way. Over time, these skills transfer into your daily life.

Many students describe martial arts as a moving meditation. It’s a rare opportunity to unplug from screens, focus the mind, and return to themselves. For anyone feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed, this kind of focus can be life-changing.

3. It Boosts Confidence and Capability

Martial arts isn’t just about fitness, it’s about personal growth. Each belt, technique, and breakthrough helps build a strong sense of achievement and self-belief.

As you train, you’ll learn to move more efficiently, defend yourself more effectively, and understand your body in new ways. That sense of capability is incredibly empowering.

This is particularly impactful for adults who may feel out of shape or disconnected from their physical potential. Whether you’re walking into your first class at 25 or 55, the journey begins at your level and grows from there.

The result? You carry yourself differently. You speak with more confidence. You feel stronger not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

4. It Strengthens Social Connection and Community

Many adults struggle to stay active because fitness can feel isolating. You go to the gym, put in your headphones, and leave without speaking to anyone. Martial arts is different.

Adult martial arts classes are naturally interactive. You’ll work with partners, encourage each other, and build friendships over shared challenges and small victories. The environment is welcoming, not competitive.

This sense of community isn’t just pleasant, it’s powerful. Social interaction is linked to improved mental health, motivation, and long-term adherence to healthy habits. For those new to the area, or just looking to expand their social circle, martial arts offers a built-in support network.

5. It Aligns with Real Life and Real Goals

Let’s be honest, most adults don’t have time for complicated workout schedules, expensive gear, or fitness fads. That’s what makes martial arts such a sustainable option.

You train 1–3 times a week, depending on your goals. Each class delivers a complete workout, no need to bolt on extra cardio or weight training. And because the sessions are skills-based, there’s always something new to learn and master.

For busy professionals, parents, or anyone juggling a full schedule, this simplicity is a game changer.

Better still, martial arts is about more than aesthetics. You’re not training for a six-pack or social media validation, you’re training for strength, balance, awareness, and personal progress. And that’s the kind of motivation that lasts.

Interested in Adult Martial Arts Classes in Surrey?

At Pil Sung Do, we specialise in beginner-friendly adult martial arts classes with a focus on practical self-defence, functional fitness, and long-term wellbeing.

If you’re ready to explore a new kind of wellness, one that supports your body, sharpens your mind, and fits your lifestyle, adult martial arts classes might be exactly what you need.Learn more about our adult martial arts classes in Surrey, or contact us for more information.

Martial Arts for Older Adults: How Pil Sung Do is Accessible to All Ages

Aleesha on July 22, 2025

Staying active as we age is essential for living a healthy and independent life. But for many, traditional exercise routines can often feel repetitive or intimidating, especially for older adults who may have taken a break from exercise or are starting from scratch.

To combat this, older adults may want to opt for a fun and low-impact activity to improve fitness, such as adult martial arts. At Pil Sung Do, our martial arts classes in Surrey help individuals stay physically strong, mentally sharp, and emotionally balanced. They’re also specially designed to be inclusive, adaptable, and accessible for adults of all ages and fitness levels.

In this article, we delve into the benefits of martial arts for older adults and explore how a supportive environment can help you thrive. Whether you’re looking to stay active, reduce stress, or connect with a like-minded community, this guide will give you the confidence to take that first step.

Why Fitness in Later Life Is Essential

The Risks of Inactivity

As we grow older, inactivity becomes a real risk factor. The NHS recommends that adults over 65 engage in activities that improve strength, balance, and flexibility at least twice a week, alongside regular aerobic exercise. However, research shows many adults struggle to meet this guidance due to lack of access, confidence, or suitable programmes.

Without regular movement, older adults may experience muscle loss (sarcopenia), joint stiffness, reduced cardiovascular health, and an increased risk of falling. The good news is that it’s never too late to benefit from movement, and martial arts for adults offers a gentle yet powerful solution.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Staying Active

Health and fitness isn’t just about the body. Engaging in physical activity, especially in a structured and social environment, can significantly boost mood, decrease anxiety, and sharpen memory. Martial arts encourages presence, mental discipline, and confidence, which become increasingly valuable as we age.

In fact, research shows that older adults who participate in social, group-based physical activities such as adult martial arts experience greater life satisfaction, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased social connection compared to those who are inactive.

How Adult Martial Arts Supports Healthy Ageing

A Full-Body Workout Without the Impact

Martial arts for adults blends movement, strength training, coordination, and flexibility in a single session. It avoids the high-impact nature of running or bootcamp-style workouts, making it ideal for older people.

Our classes are built around bodyweight movement, gentle progressions, and low-impact drills that improve posture and core strength. We never throw anyone into anything too demanding – techniques are adapted to your abilities, ensuring you progress at a sustainable pace.

Building Balance, Flexibility, and Strength

Falls are one of the biggest risks facing older adults. To minimise this risk, it’s important to improve your balance, leg strength, and coordination. Our adult martial arts classes conveniently provide a way of targeting all three areas at once.

We place a strong emphasis on controlled movements like shifting stances, balanced kicks, and transitional steps, which engage stabilising muscles and improve proprioception (your awareness of movement and body position). As a result, you’ll walk more confidently, sit and stand with better posture, and reduce your risk of falling over.

Each class also includes flexibility work, helping you improve joint range of motion while reducing stiffness, which is one of the most common complaints in later life.

Boosting Brain Function and Emotional Clarity

Adult martial arts requires focus, reaction time, and memory. From learning a new form (kata) to practising sequences, your brain is engaged in every moment. This helps maintain neural pathways, mental agility, and emotional regulation.

The University of Derby listed martial arts among the best activities for older adults looking to boost cognitive function, manage stress, and reconnect with their inner resilience.

Why Pil Sung Do Is Ideal for Older Adults in Surrey

We understand that trying something new (especially later in life) can be daunting. That’s why our adult martial arts classes provide a friendly, age-inclusive environment.

Our instructors have extensive experience working with people of all ages, including older adults with no martial arts background. We create a positive, judgement-free space where progress is celebrated at every level.

No matter your age, we’ll work with you to tailor movements to your pace, so you feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Plus, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who all share common goals.

Unlike gym routines that can become dull and repetitive over time, we ensure every adult martial arts class is different so you remain motivated and challenged. With a consistent routine over time, you’ll be able to experience all of the benefits associated with martial arts.

How to Get Started with Martial Arts in Surrey

What to Expect in a Beginner Class

If you’re new to martial arts, our beginner-friendly adult martial arts classes provide an ideal starting point. You’ll be introduced to foundational techniques, learn how to move safely, and start building strength from the first session.

Classes are structured to help you progress gradually, and our team ensures everyone feels supported and confident from the moment they step onto the mat.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Adult Martial Arts

Communicate with instructors: Let them know about any injuries or concerns so they can provide additional support and guidance if needed.
Be patient: Keep in mind that progress isn’t linear but consistency will pay off over time. Try to attend sessions regularly to see noticeable improvements.
Set and track goals: Establish clear and achievable goals to work towards. Don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate your wins to stay motivated.

Join a Martial Arts Class for Adults in Surrey

Martial arts isn’t just for the young. It’s for anyone who wants to live with strength, focus, and vitality, regardless of age. We’re proud to offer martial arts classes that are inclusive, welcoming, and empowering for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Whether you’re aiming to improve fitness, gain confidence, or meet new people, our martial arts classes provide the perfect environment to improve your wellbeing in later life.

Learn more about our adult martial arts classes, or get in touch with us today.