How martial arts made me a better writer

Training is a big part of my life and it always will be. Not just because I’d become some cave-monster no one wanted to spend another minute with if I didn’t, but because it makes my body feel right.

I was an active kid, always challenging old man in unladylike things like push-ups and lifting heavy weights. As I got older, this transitioned into things like sparring in the ring and weightlifting. I also spent thirteen years doing martial arts, most of it dedicated to Muay Thai (also called Thai Boxing), a sport I still love.

To watch a fight is a great way to see how people move. The important bit here is to make sure you include all sizes and genders in your studies. Personally, I’m going to spar quite differently if I’m fighting someone four foot taller than someone my own height.

Seeing is great but knowing how the body feels when making these moves is even more valuable. Now, I’m not saying you should strap on a pair of 16oz gloves and pound away at some poor bugger, but it’s always valuable to learn about the craft you’re putting in your book, including the one or two fight scenes you might have written about.

Sign up for a class or two in martial arts, or get a friend who’s involved in it to show you some basic moves and stances just to get a feel of it. Remember fighting techniques will change depending on the sport. Boxers and Muay Thai fighters don't have the same stance for example, and there are reasons for it. Find out what these are, get to know the motions by sight as well as by feel. It might hurt, but it will help.