Halloween is upon us
Friday 31 October 2025
The clocks are turning back and nights are getting longer, which can only mean one thing. Halloween is upon us. It’s a time of year when many people love to roll out their favourite horror films about iconic monsters like vampires, werewolves and zombies, and maybe even get a little scared in the process
But these monsters are more than terrifying characters, they represent different types of fear that exist in all of us. Part of the challenge of having fears is facing them, and as martial artists one of the best ways to tackle fears is head on with a grapple, a hold or a combination of punches and kicks – ideally within a lesson! So, we are going to look at some of these iconic monsters, what type of fear they represent, and why martial arts is the perfect way to give these demons a right good kicking.
Zombies
Hordes of the walking dead have become popular in movies like 28 Days Later and TV shows like the Walking Dead. Now they are certainly scary, but what is even more frightening is what they represent. Zombies are mindless, they go about their days without care or thought, only thinking about fulfilling their base needs – their hunger!
Lesson
Stepping into a martial arts class with a willingness to learn and grow is a fantastic way to tackle the zombie in all of us. It gets us away from instant gratification and teaches us the importance of discovering something new and becoming more confident in ourselves.
Ghosts
Quite possibly the most famous type of fictional monster out there. A ghost is often depicted as a spirit or a lost soul who has remained stuck within this world – with an unknown purpose, forever haunting us inhabitants. Ghosts are also great as a Halloween costume, because all you need is a white sheet and maybe a couple of holes to see through. But ghosts are about more than white sheets and silly noises. Ghosts are unsettled, they don’t know their purpose, and that is a fear many of us might have or experience from time to time.
Lesson
If you’re feeling like you’re lacking purpose and structure, then martial arts is the perfect way to combat this. Martial arts is one of the most purposeful and clear things to do. As a student, you will be provided with a clear set of moves and combinations, which over time will grow as you advance on your journey. So, if you’re feeling like you fancy an activity where everything is made clear to you, then Meiji Martial Arts could be just what you need.
Vampires
Why is it that these blood sucking parasites are so good looking and cool? Whether it’s Gary Oldman’s alluring portrayal of Count Dracula or Tom Cruise as the handsome Lestat (and Robert Pattinson) – they all tend to look immaculate on TV or film. But in their lore, they are undead immortals who feed off humans – quite simply the worst of the worst. They are very similar to the feelings we all have of negativity and self-doubt, which can at times be incredibly draining and debilitating. But there is sunlight (and sometimes garlic) which can keep these monsters at bay.
Lesson
Vampires are defeated by sunlight. In the real world, sunlight is the energy of life and action, and this is exactly what martial arts is all about. A training culture is the perfect way to fill you with positivity, optimism and a sense of purpose – even when the world itself can be challenging at times. And most importantly, you will be surrounded by people (fellow students and Senseis) who are here to lift you up, not drain you.
Werewolves
Now we have all seen werewolves. In TV shows and films, people transform into one when a full moon rises, and go on a rampage. If they were real, you would probably want to stay away from them at all costs. However, what they represent is losing control and being driven by emotions – and not in a good way.
Lesson
We think that the perfect outlet for strong emotions is the Dojo. A martial arts class is a fantastic way to channel any feelings of frustration and anger in a healthy way. It also teaches the importance of balance and discipline, because in a class you have to maintain control when sparring with another student. You will also find that you will probably leave a class feeling much calmer than when you first came in.
Mummies
A bit like zombies, mummies are undead creatures that are unable to think or make decisions about what they are doing. They walk around aimlessly, making scary noises to frighten away anyone silly enough to disturb their slumber. The difference between them and zombies is that they are bound up by endless wrappings.
Lesson
Sometimes we wrap ourselves in the same daily patterns, stuck in comfort zones that slowly become our tombs. Like mummies bound in layers of old habits, we move stiffly through life, afraid to break free from what’s familiar. Martial arts training tears through those mental bandages. Every punch, kick, and bow on the mat helps you shed a layer of fear or self-doubt. You begin to realise that growth only happens when you challenge the limits you’ve wrapped around yourself.
Fancy taking down more than monsters and coming in for a free trial? We promise you won’t be scared.