Benefits of Kids Martial Arts - Focus and Concentration Inside and Outside the Dojo

Focus in Kids Martial Arts

There are many benefits associated, or at least claimed to be, with martial arts for kids. One of these is focus. By focus I am referring to focus of attention, taking instruction, listening to the teacher or put simply concentration. Learning judo, kung fu or karate for kids involves listening to the teacher, understanding the instruction and acting on it. Often this process involves a physical demonstration. Nothing spectacular in any of that but it can result in a concurrent improvement in focus at school.

I remember one mother after a grading had finished remarking how well her daughter took instruction. I agreed with her but it turned out that her child had a form of dyslexia which was supposed to make taking instruction difficult. I was incredulous at the time, as the girl in question was one of the most dedicated kids, worked very hard at her training and as a result was one of the most talented kids in the class. I would never have guessed her condition.

Other times I have parents telling me their kids grades have improved at school, partly, at least to the kids ability to focus improving. This is all very good but how does this happen?

In many ways martial arts classes are an analogy for the big bad world. You get out what you put in, and this should be especially so for kids. Children will mess about given the chance, by balancing learning MA skills with fun games that are relevant to martial arts, the kids have fun and learn through play! This balance of learning and fun keeps kids on track AND focused!

Focus in Kids Martial Arts Classes and School is Rewarded

In Martial Arts classes, as in school, children that pay attention are able to learn to a higher level than those that don't. In martial arts this is reward is manifested at gradings as the relatively higher skill level in comparison to less attentive kids is demonstrated and rewarded in the form of the highly desirable new coloured belt.

At gradings we tend not to fail kids, rather we break belts or grades into quarters so the less able have a reasonable opportunity to progress. This enables a certain amount of leeway to reward those that put the effort in with higher (partial) grades than those that tend to cruise.

There is a natural selection process here. If a kid puts the effort in, practices at home as well as in class it is reflected in their ability. It is very obvious to see. Of course the reverse is true; anyone coasting does not improve to the same level.

By ensuring that focus in class is rewarded with praise and tangible reward, kids come round to the idea that it's a good idea to listen and act on instruction. Not rocket science but this occurs time and time again. Through positive peer 'pressure' in class to do the correct thing, focus, and with tangible rewards on offer kids get the message. This is reinforced through the sheer joy of learning a physical skill.

The act of overcoming an obstacle that once seemed impossible, breeds confidence and supports the notion that focusing on the teachers advice is a good, helpful thing. Nowhere is this more so than in kids martial arts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5155255