@Andrew Green thank you Andrew. It sounds like you walk the walk as an instructor and owner I have no doubt from those many cases you have hinted at that you have seen the worth of your art as more than just a fighting form. I wonder beyond this Andrew either of you your self or of those you have trained, what personal changes have happened. For example, if a student has been able to control anxiety (which is absolutely fantastic btw!) what is the learning that that person has gained specifically about them selves? Forgive me if this is unclear.. I know what I am trying to ask.. I hope it come across! Thank you again, Jxx
I would suspect it is being forced into stressful situations and proving to yourself that a clear and calm approach solves the problem, and even when it doesn't the world doesn't end. Being pinned while someone is trying to twist your limbs or choke you is stressful, panicking doesn't help. Being pinned in a corner with someone throwing punches and kicks is stressful, panicking doesn't help. After 6-months, a year, 2 years, whatever it takes that person also realizes that they can defend themselves and control bigger, stronger, larger opponents with clear thinking, technique and strategy.
I don't think it's learning about yourself as much as it is reprogramming yourself to react to stress hormones in a different way.
"Play fighting".. which despite all the fancy names, structure and traditions we add on to it is basically what martial arts is. And play fighting is possibly one of the most natural play behaviours we have, along with just about every other animal on the planet. It's a important part of the learning experience both physically and mentally.