Over the last several years there
has been an increased interest and uptake across the world in Martial Artsand for
many people it has not only become a method of exercise, but has also been used
to improve discipline, focus and one’s health.
There have been many studies which
have supported the use of Martial Arts as an approach to boosting mental
cognition which is how one acquires knowledge and understanding. The repeated
practice of techniques and sequences links nicely to classroom learning and
revision. A student will study a syllabus for a belt grading in the same way
they would prepare for a test or an exam. Prioritizing aspects of the grading
to highlight areas which require more focused practiced is a trait many
teachers see in more independent students.
More recently, there are on-going
studies which are exploring the link between martial arts training as a way of
improving a person’s emotional wellbeing; particularly with the management of
stress. In such a fast paced, fluid and digital world that we live in, it is
well known that many young students find it difficult to cope with managing
their academic time alongside their leisure time whilst ensuring that they have
an appropriate amount of sleep. The recent addition of controlled breathing and
meditation exercises have been used to help students focus and calm their mind
after karate sessions. This is an aspect borrowed from mindfulness classes
which has been shown to help young adults better manage their stress levels.
Martial Arts does not limit its
participation based on skill and potential, it is something that anyone can do
which mirrors education. unseen benefits of Martial Arts are in developing
well-rounded students who are better prepared for the futures that lie ahead of
them.