Students gain focus and calm from Martial Arts. Leads to gains in academic school achievement. by Phaedra Cichanski Most parents will tell you their children feel overwhelmed. Expectations are high at school and work loads are intense. It is no longer acceptable to say, “We'll, he's a boy. He just has ants in his pants.” Kids are told they must pay attention in class and marks matter. Fortunately, there is a way for parents to help children learn the abilities of concentration and focus: Martial Arts. There have been a number of studies published recently suggesting a direct corrolation, showing Martial arts and thier disciplines can improve physical and psychological well being as well as creating a positive change in children's overall behaviour. “One US study in 2004 divided 207 pre-teen children into two groups. One group took conventional physical exercise, the other practised Tae Kwon Do four times a week. After three months those who did the martial art had better behaviour and performed better on mental health tests. While the study group was large enough for it to be a significant result they all went to the same school, making it impossible to apply these results to other children. In the same year, a small study was published that applied a similar principle to 18 boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Six did physical exercise, six martial arts and six did nothing. After 12 weeks the exercise group showed some improvements in behaviour but significantly less than those doing the martial arts. This evidence is supported by a similar Italian study last year. A group of 16 boys did either Karate or nothing over a period of ten months. Once again the behaviour of the Karate group was significantly improved over the other. “ states Dr Toby Murcott a former BBC science correspondent special to the Times Online. | Meni Pitoscia, a mother whose Autistic son attends Woodbridge Kempo Martial Arts Academy says, “At first my son didn't want to stay still in class, he was all over the place. But now after just a few weeks I see improvement. He's able to stay longer and I've noticed he has a longer attention span. He likes Sensei Peter. I think this is the right environment for him. The classes are small and there is a lot of individualized attention. We've tried team sports, but I think this is the right activity for him.” We asked Sensei Peter his thoughts on the benefits of the Martial Arts with the kids he's taught, “ In general young children have a bundle of energy. They tend not to be able to pay attention for long periods of time. I've seen this lack of attention lead to poor confidence. However, through the dedication of attending our program in an environment where respect and concentration are delivered. And where their bodies learn the series of controlled movements, they are taught the skills necessary to focus. Concentration and focus will always lead to improvements in all areas of life, including schoolwork. And when children feel confident in their abilities in a subject that interests them, their behaviour automatically reflects that.”
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