"You can walk in a room and handle yourself" - Jonathan Haggerty on the importance of kids picking up martial arts

Jonathan Haggerty knows no different than a life that has been defined by martial arts and the pursuit of improvement.

'The General' has been training and competing from a young age so combat sports will always be an integral aspect of his life.

Haggerty found himself in this world through his father and though he didn't always want to go to the gym or step inside the ring, his commitment has massively paid off for him.

Not only has the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion achieved incredible things in his career, martial arts has shaped him into the man that you now see before you.

Though he isn't totally convinced that he would want his kids to follow down the exact same path, there is no denying the benefits that martial arts training can have.

Jonathan Haggerty spoke about this during a recent appearance on the Winners Talking Podcast:

"I mean, confidence-wise, I think it's great for them [the kids]. You grow up, you know what you're capable of. You don't have to show yourself, you don't have to prove yourself, you know what you're capable of. I think with confidence, you can walk in a room and handle yourself. That's great."

Watch the full podcast interview below:

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A life in martial arts prepared Jonathan Haggerty for adversity

Jonathan Haggerty is looking to bounce back when he makes his return to competition at ONE 171: Qatar on February 20.

One of the most important lessons that martial arts teaches is learning from your mistakes, dusting yourself off and getting back on the horse.

That is exactly what the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion will look to do when he puts his title on the line against China's 'Demon Blade' Wei Rui in the main event at the Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.

Haggerty's teachings are important in every single step of his life.