Special to the News-Sun
Martial Arts instruction has long been recognized for its ability to turn average and below average students into honor students, achieving A's and B's.
Parents know that better grades in school can strongly influence a child's overall success in life.
And feedback from parents throughout the country indicates that there are an extraordinary number of cases where children involved in Martial Arts training are improving academically, sometimes dramatically.
Dr. Abraham Maslow, a famed psychologist, proposed that people have five basic levels of needs.
His theory suggests that we must satisfy our lower level needs before we can move on to achieve higher level needs.
Following Maslow's theory, we need to feel secure and protected from the outside world before oure mind can focus on attaining higher level needs, such as self-actualization, prosperity, self-respect and self-fulfillment.
According to Dr. Maslow, afte fulfilling level one needs, such as food, water and shelter, our inner self concentrates on level two, safetey and security needs.
One of the many benefits of Martial Arts training is learning the skills of self defense.
Martial Arts provide our students with the knowledge of self preservation and security, enabling them to concentrate on academics without distractions and anxiety stemming from insecurity, thus moving on to the higher level needs.
Breathing
Martial Arts training incorporates various breathing techniques.
As students progress in their training, they learn to master their breathing, which can effect their physical state.
These breathing experiences help students deal more effectively with daily stress and pressures associated with exams, quizzes and deadlines, keeping them relaxed and focused to produce better results.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is having a positive impression and respect for ones' self.
Students who have strong self-esteem are more likely to succeed in school, or at any goals they set.
Martial Arts training teaches students the importance of mental discipline, which develops strong character traits such as self-esteem, self-confidence and self-respect.
Martial Arts instructors nurture a student's self-esteem through positive reinforcement of achieved goals.
Physical activity improves health and appearance, which are also linked to self-esteem.
It is easier to have a positive impression of yourself when you look and feel good.
Martial Arts make staying active easy, and fun.
Respect for Teachers
Respect for teachers, parents, adults and fellow students is also an important part of Martial Arts training.
Students learn to respect those with higher knowledge, which promotes positive relationships with authority figures outside of school as well.
As a student's Martial Arts knowledge develops, it is equally important that they learn humility when respect for their knowledge is reciprocated.
Setting Goals
To achive the rank of Black Belt at Martial Arts America, each student will be required to successfully complete a series of other rank promotions that lead to earning the ultimate rank.
Martial Arts training teaches students that you can achieve a long-term goal by breaking the goal down into many short-term objectives.
These objectives represent interim goals that need to be accomplished in order for the long-term goal to be realized.
Students learn the importance of goal-setting strategies, which are invaluable scholastically, as well as in life.
Whether in pre-school, grade school, high school or college, Martial Arts can impact your scholastic results to achieve success.
Martial Arts students learn that success requires commitment, determination and focus on their goals.
We at Martial Arts America have tremendous confidence in our students to meet these challenges and produce excellent results.
If you would like more information on how to experience these benefits and improve your child's lifestyle, call 471-2467.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - www.newssun.com/WED-10-10-12-KarateKids