Martial Arts- More than just a sport
Posted: October 25, 2015
Bruce Lee once said “To be a martial artist is to be an artist of life”,
meaning there is far more to martial arts than simply mastering the kicks, blocks, and punches of each belt level. At Sky Martial Arts Murrieta students are taught to develop skills that will last them a lifetime, personal habits and traits that will apply to all aspects of their lives including those outside of the dojang.
Muscle development and taking the time to slow down
In today’s go-go-go world, our younger generations only know instant gratification. Wi-Fi, drive throughs, and Amazon Prime’s 2 day shipping have the world at our fingertips. By guiding students through repetitive motions, martial arts teaches the value of mastering each individual step of a process. Children learn focus and dedication, they learn that greatness takes work. Children as young as preschoolers can mimic basic repetitive motions, while older school aged students may learn multiple steps to a single kick. Slowing down to understand all aspects of the task at hand not only increases coordination and physical control, but also helps children problem solve in real time situations.
Many experts recommend martial arts for children who have a hard time with staying on task, that maybe have a bit too much energy, or have even been diagnosed with various learning hurdles like ADHD. The step by step instruction and attention to detail encourages all students to give their full attention and to channel their energy into a productive outcome.
Proper Breathing Techniques
Martial arts is about connecting with both the internal and external self. External actions like punching and kicking are most effective when paired with the strength that can only come from the core. By teaching students proper breathing techniques, they focus their energy and activate those core muscles, increasing strength and inner focus. But learning to harness the power of breathing can also be effective in other ways as well, helping our younger students focus on difficult tasks, regain control of their emotions, and calm themselves during times of stress.
Martial Arts has even been shown to help develop the lungs of young children with asthma. By learning the natural rhythm of their breathing, those battling asthma can learn to recognize triggers, slow their breathing and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
Everyone is born with the unconscious ability to breathe, to take air in and out of their lungs, but to learn to properly harness the power of breathing is a skill within itself.
True Self Confidence
As child psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein says, The power of martial art "disciplines comes not from side kicks or sleeper holds, but rather from an unrivaled ability to teach confidence and self respect. After a few weeks of classes, kids start to carry themselves differently. They walk taller, appear more self assured and interact less fearfully with the world around them. In short, they cease to be an easy target" This self confidence is what gives children the ability to say no to peer pressure, to stand up to bullies, and make positive life choices.
Children face pressure from so many different angles these days, it’s impossible to shield them from it all, but providing a solid foundation on which to rely upon can make all the difference in the world. Bullies happen, from preschool to the boardroom, there’s one in just about every situation. Martial arts teaches the power of inner strength, the importance of respect, and the ability to apply both to any given situation.