As an art, it has also been touted to have immense therapeutic benefits for relaxation and reboot. However, there is always the need to do it right, and overtime, many martial artists have sought out ways to improve their craft and performance, including brain boosting substances and drugs like Nootropics.
Whether it is the need to maintain optimum physical fitness and general health or the desire to develop important characteristics like discipline and focus at the same time fortifying mental strength through thorough mental training, martial artists simply desire to be at the top of their game. The fact that Martial arts isn’t just for battle, but can be a fun and exciting way to keep your body and mind at peak capacity, thereby improving your endurance and tolerance levels by at least 20% also makes it a very popular activity. And as a result, it has gained worldwide acceptance.
You may have grown up watching the brilliance of Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Bruce Lee and even Chuck Norris. What you may not know is that these individuals remain some of the greatest martial artists of all time. Do not let their physique fool you, what these ones lack in physical weight, they make up for with solid mind and body coordination that makes them virtually invincible. What this also means is that substances like Nootropics which help with mental alertness, strength and coordination can be very crucial for martial arts improvement.
According to the September 2015 Human Kinetics Journal, the training required to be a great martial artist includes a combination of aerobic exercises and cognitive training, as the activity is both mind and body oriented. Since martial arts requires optimum focus and concentration, substances that can improve your ability to remain focused can take your martial art performance to the next level.
Nootropics have been known to elicit several cognitive functions like improving memory, focus and learning, which are all very important if you want to improve your martial artistry.
Ways Nootropics can improve Martial arts performance
The journey to becoming one of the best in any physical activity can be tasking both mentally and physically. It takes a lot to push your body to its limits in order to achieve greatness, little wonder the main idea behind martial art is mind over matter. The major distinguishing factor between martial arts and other physical activity is that in martial arts, you do not require a domineering physique in order to excel as you would in boxing, swimming or wrestling. Also, some aspects of martial art separates it from other physical activities. For example, the need to train your mind as well as your body in order to boost your performance is not negotiable.
When it comes to martial arts, most people believe mental training is more important than physical training, this is where nootropics come in. Nootropic supplements give you the edge you need in conditioning your mind and improving your focus and learning. Most of the best nootropic supplements are suitable for martial artists, and that is the reason they are able to fortify their mental strength.
How Nootropics enhance Concentration
Concentration is one of the most vital aspects of martial arts. It is the difference between a mediocre performance and a great one, that is why you must fully master it. Concentration is needed if you want to perform truly daring acts like punching through walls of blocks or wood. A great martial artist capable of impressive feats is one completely in control of his mind and body coordination. In order to enhance concentration, nootropics strengthen the mind’s defense against distractions and interruptions that may break your focus, while you’re concentrating on a particular interest.
How Nootropics increase Reaction Speed
As a martial artist, speed is absolutely crucial. You will require fast reaction time to defend against attacks and speed to launch unprecedented attacks of your own. In self defense, which is the most popular purpose of martial arts, you may go up against someone with a more overwhelming physique, and this will require you to be faster both in movement and in strategic thinking in order to succeed. Fast reaction time gives you the ability to respond to impending danger faster than normal thereby increasing your chances of avoidance. Fast reaction time also entails the time it would take the brain to accommodate, process and respond to stimulus.
Electric signals are the main means of communication, the brain sends these signals to different parts of the body in order to elicit a response. In order to increase your reaction time, you will require a clear mind. Nootropics can help in freeing your mind from distractions and, as a result, significantly increase your reaction time.
How Nootropics help in Stress Management
It is no strange news that tough physical training and workouts can increase the amount of stress on the mind and body. The Medicine journal based in Baltimore in July 2017 published a report on the effect of Taekwondo training on younger athletes. In the article, they stated that the training induced high stress levels which led to a neurochemical reaction.
Often times, the most difficult workouts may elicit two different types of stress;
- Oxidative stress; The type of stress that occurs when free radicals present in the body are more than the antioxidants.
- Cortisol; This is often referred to as the stress hormone, and it is responsible for decline in training. Cortisol can prevent any martial artist from optimum performance, and so must be kept at a minimum.
Utilizing effective Nootropics for stress management can lower cortisol levels and prevent oxidative stress, thereby improving overall performance.
Increasing Brain plasticity
Brain rewiring is an intriguing part of neuroscience that is garnering more attention. The ability of the brain to form neural connections and rewire itself is absolutely important in the process of development from infancy to adulthood. These connections can aid in aspects such as repairing damage to the brain, increasing brain power, and so on. Nootropics can help in unlocking new levels in brain power by increasing the rate of brain plasticity. While more research is needed to ascertain the exact effects these brain enhancers may have on plasticity, existing research shows positive results.
Nootropics that improve your Martial art
Some of the most important nootropics that may improve your martial arts includes;
1. Racetams
Racetams are a unique class of drugs that can be used to enhance brain activity. However, not all racetams are nootropics, there are a few racetams that act as anticonvulsants. Racetams like Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Phenylpiracetam and Oxiracetam possess nootropic capabilities. Racetams are often used to improve short term memory by interacting with glutamate and cholinergic receptors in the brain.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea has become one of the most popular herbal nootropics used to reduce both physical and mental stress. As a result of the constant rise in oxidative stress and cortisol among martial artists, this nootropic is often used to prevent both physical and mental fatigue. Additionally, Rhodiola Rosea utilizes biological pathways in order to facilitate an improved cognitive function, without experiencing any dangerous side effects. This nootropic also helps the artist in the regulation of important neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.
Rhodiola Rosea also produces antioxidants which are very beneficial to the brain. As a result, these antioxidants may help prevent any age related brain damage. Using Rhodiola Rosea supplements can help martial artists perform more complicated moves with less fatigue and with boosted mental clarity. This helps increase the connection between the mind and body.
3. B-Vitamins
B-Vitamins are absolutely important for martial artists. Properly utilizing B-Vitamins will elicit numerous benefits like promoting brain health and development. These vitamins are an important type of Nootropics and may also help with the synthesis of important neurotransmitters and promote adequate blood circulation to the brain.
4. Ginkgo biloba
This powerful nootropic contains numerous antioxidants that many believe is the reason behind its health benefits. This nootropic is widely used by many martial artists because of its ability to improve the overall function of the brain and body.
5. L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is often used in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine. L-tyrosine is often used to increase the levels of catecholamine which often helps in boosting brainpower. Supplementation of the L-Tyrosine nootropic could help in very stressful situations by eliminating stressors for better mental clarity and performance. During performances or sparring, martial artists often encounter very stressful situations, utilizing these nootropics helps keep their stress levels in check.
6. Citicoline
This nootropic is often prescribed to aid in enhancing memory, brain function and thinking ability. These benefits are absolutely important to martial artists, as they significantly improve their performance. Citicoline elicits these functions by improving the brain chemical phosphatidylcholine which is necessary for optimum brain function.
Conclusion
To succeed in any martial arts, mental clarity is absolutely important. You need to stay sharp and tack to be able to execute complex moves and defend yourself accurately. Nootropics can play a huge role in helping you maintain your performance at a high level. Nootropics can also enhance memory, learning and brain function which will help you master certain techniques more quickly.