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Children's Program
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Martial Arts instruction has long been recognized for its ability to create "A" students. Feedback from parents everywhere indicates that there are an
extraordinary number of cases where children have
improved academically - in
many cases quite dramatically. What is it about the Martial Arts that can
cause such positive transformations? Maslow's hierarchy of human needs
states that we must satisfy lower level needs before we can move on to
achieve higher level needs - Martial Arts helps one move beyond the level of
safety and security needs. The Martial Arts provides young people with
self-defense knowledge which enables them to concentrate on academics
without added distractions and anxiety stemming from insecurity.
Improved attention span has been shown to be one of the most obvious tools
for improving academic performance. Training in Martial Arts focuses
directly on this aspect of development. Most students show an improved
ability to concentrate both in terms of the quality of concentration and
length of their attention span.
In addition the breathing techniques taught are a form of meditation and help students deal with the daily stress and pressure associated with exams, quizzes and reports. The increased self confidence which Martial Artists develop is connected to better physical and mental health, better appearance, and better academic performance.
Respect for authority figures, as well as peers, is an important part of Martial Arts training. The discipline acquired in the Dojo goes a long way to forming positive relationships within schools. After consistent training students emerge with an increased level of mental discipline. This can help students deal with the many distractions that can adversely affect their grades.
Progressing towards Black Belt requires the successful completion of belt promotions (smaller goals). The student learns that big goals can be achieved if they develop goal setting strategies.
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