Parents and caregivers are continuously seeking ways to help their children navigate their lives today and do what they can to safeguard their future. The path of which college and career to choose can be daunting as high school begins. There are numerous blogs about the many benefits of martial arts training, and, arguably, this type of training can actually help with grades in school.
Finding experiences to equip children with tools and skills that can be beneficial throughout life are priceless – but of course, we don\’t want it to break the bank! Finding activities that provide a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere often keeps children coming back each week. Anything that builds up confidence enforces hard work, and meeting measurable goals can mean success at home, at school, in extracurriculars, and ultimately in their careers.
Although the fringe benefits of martial arts training can touch every area of life, the physical benefits alone simply can’t be overlooked.
Physical Benefits of Healthy Mindset and Body
Physical health is part of any school starting at a very young age. As interests peak and children want to try new things, encourage them, and find something fun for them and convenient for your busy schedule. There are plenty of options available, and martial arts training is a program where a reputable studio will offer multiple classes. Independent practice outside of instruction can significantly launch children in their progress.
Regular physical activity is beneficial no matter what type. The important thing is doing it. Participating in an after-school program has mental benefits beyond just the physical. Having your child out of the house and out of the classroom, away from the screen and off the phone, is largely beneficial all on its own. Martial arts are unique due to the focus and attention required during training. Experienced instructors know how to keep students engaged and work towards their instruction goals. Martial arts are exceptionally effective for those who struggle with focus. Over time, attention spans lengthen and focus more precisely than without this added engagement. The improved physical and mental wellbeing naturally translate to the school setting.
Benefits in the Classroom
If martial arts students can develop focus, even with distractions, how much more can they apply this in learning at school? It becomes natural and second nature to focus when someone in authority speaks. Another element of traditional martial arts theory is self-respect and respect for others.
Reputable instructors will command respect as part of training from all martial arts students. This expectation is unwavering, and those training quickly realize this is a large part of the training itself. Students learn the value of hard work and how variations in the effort can yield different results. This also applies in school – you get out of it what you put into it. Because moving up in rank is individual, gradual, and highly dependent on the student’s commitment outside of the studio, instructors are diligent and support perseverance in the studio, which organically carries over to the academic environment. Beginning good habits, sticking with things even when they are difficult, overcoming obstacles, and focusing on the goal are incredibly valuable tools taught in martial arts but are relevant in the classroom.
Since respect is expected in the martial arts environment, showing respect to parents, teachers, and peers also happens as students progress through the programs. The experience of what mutual respect looks like in the studio, as modeled by instructors, allows students to connect the success in the studio to school. Parents continually confirm that a confident student, who earns the respect of his or her peers, has an easier time socially. If students adjust socially in school, they can often focus more on learning and ultimately earn higher grades.
Discipline and Focus Help in School
Martial arts, by nature, are founded on discipline and mental focus. Core principles are taught from the onset of training. Discipline is required to master techniques as students move from introducing a new technique to proficiency and mastery. The amount of discipline directly correlates to the speed of moving up in rank. Students recognize they are responsible and in control of the effort equaling reward. This level of discipline lights a fire as independence is realized, and discipline becomes second nature.
Although martial arts classes are generally seen as more fun than the school classrooms, which automatically increase engagement, experienced instructors will require students to sit quietly, listen, show respect and focus during instruction. Giving full attention is necessary to catch all the nuances of the techniques. Students must develop the skill of focus – it can be life-changing. Instructors should always be supportive and encouraging and have high expectations of students. SwiftKick is a professional and friendly studio where children can grow and develop their martial arts skills. These skills, taught at an expert level by Brian\’s team of instructors, provide the foundation of stronger focus mental toughness and yield better results in the school setting.
If you reside in the San Diego area, consider signing your student up for a free trial class in Carlsbad or Rancho Bernardo. Brian, the founder and owner built the programs purposefully and thoughtfully. His dedicated team of instructors follows his vision to use martial arts skills training in all areas of life, especially when it comes to academics!