Martial arts offers more than just a platform for athletes to perform in the ring or octagon.
Martial arts enhances employability, inspires entrepreneurship, and uncovers a diverse array of
career opportunities. Having a background can provide an applicant with a competitive
advantage.
A recent study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that martial arts practitioners are more likely to be employed than non-practitioners. The study also found that martial arts practitioners earn higher salaries.
From working as a sports photographer and anticipating key moments resulting in compelling
stories or improving athletic movements as a biomechanics engineer, let's explore different
careers and how participation in the sport enhances an individuals resume.
Soft Skills Development: Martial arts cultivates discipline, focus, and resilience, which are valuable career skills. These attributes set martial artists apart in the professional world.
Networking: Networking within the martial arts community can lead to valuable career opportunities. Attending sporting events, joining gyms, and using social media platforms can help individuals leverage their martial arts connections for professional growth.
Balance and Time Management: Martial artists often excel in the delicate art of balancing their rigorous training schedules with their professional careers. This unique ability to manage time effectively is a valuable skill that they can bring into any field.
ENTREPRENURSHIP
Martial arts can teach entrepreneurs how to set goals, develop strategies, and overcome challenges. It can also help them to build a strong team and to create a positive work environment. For example, Ronda Rousey, a former Olympic medalist and UFC champion, is now an entrepreneur with her own book, clothing line, and production company.
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
Participation in this sport opens access to a wide range of career opportunities in the entertainment sector with salaries ranging from five figures to eight figures. Work flexibility is substantial in the entertainment industry. Offering opportunities for a balanced work-life and space for dual-careers, enabling higher income potential.
1. Professional Athlete
Experience in the sport will provide an advantage when considering transitioning into a professional career.
2. Sports Journalist
Ability to craft compelling narratives when understanding expertise in training regimens and psychology of fighters
3. Sports Commentator
Increases credibility as a commentator. Encourages insightful analysis of fighter strategy, technique, and decision making.
4. Sports Promoter
Reputation adds credibility to the promotion, attracting both fighters and fans.
5. Podcast Host
Enrich content and captivate audiences with anecdotal evidence, tactics, and examination of the psychological facets of preparation.
6. Fight Choreographer
Ability to choreograph scenes that are not only engaging, but technically accurate to deliver realistic fight scenes.
7. Stunt Performer
Martial arts training boosts fitness for the demands of stunt-work. Confidence, work quality, and movement control are also benefits. This makes it an ideal choice for performers sought after by directors aiming to incorporate authentic physical contact into their scenes.
Keanu Reeves, an actor, is also a skilled martial artist. He has trained in several different martial arts disciplines, including judo, karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has said that his martial arts training has helped him to prepare for his roles in action movies.
FITNESS INDUSTRY
Martial arts has become an asset when seeking employment in the fitness sector with brands seeking to increasing credibility and hire individuals with expertise. Salaries for coaching has skyrocketed, with multiple titles available including celebrity trainer, on-app coach, group instructor, and working with corporations to arrange events. Salaries ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, with potential for endorsements to augment salary.
1. Fitness Model
Brands have shifted to recruit athletes, given their proficiency in maintaining poses, genuine depictions, and authentic representation.
2. Martial Arts Coach
Knowledge of technical expertise, ring strategy, and mentorship will attribute to the success of aspiring fighters and enthusiasts.
3. Gym Owner
Leverage existing connections to build business. Use personal story to market. Adds credibility to resonate with potential clients.
MARKETING INDUSTRY
Marketing has developed to become more relatable. Possessing a specialized knowledge can be advantageous in roles such as social media manager when capturing, designing, and creating captions for a sports brand. Salaries range from $30,000-$100,000 with potential for commission.
1. Fitness Influencer
Share Martial Arts-inspired workouts, nutrition advice, and stories from a unique perspective. Receive complimentary fitness products.
2. Sports Manager
Attract athletes and develop an understanding of their needs.
Martial arts can provide a boost in careers across a wide range of industries including health, technology, engineering, media, and fashion. Understanding the sport can contribute to design, knowledge, and product demands. These careers offer salaries ranging from $60,000-$150,000 with potential for company stock and shares. Overall, athletes have increased alternatives and opportunities to pursue diverse paths, dual careers, or entrepreneurships in exciting fields.
HEALTH
Physical Therapist
Athletic Trainer
Orthopedic Surgeon
Sports Psychologist
Sports Nutritionist or Dietitian
TECHNOLOGY
Sports AI Writer
Sports Analytics Specialist
Fitness App Developer
Connected Fitness Equipment Engineer
Video Game Designer
ENGINEERING
Sports Equipment Designer
Biomechanics Engineer
MEDIA
Sports Photographer
Content Writer
FASHION
Sportswear Designer
Athletic Apparel Consultant
Martial arts can also enhance careers in other fields such as law, medicine, and business. For example, martial arts training can help lawyers to develop their communication and negotiation. It can also help doctors develop their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Lastly, it can help business people to develop their leadership and teamwork skills.
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