Can Martial Arts benefit academic success?

Written on the 22 January 2024

The benefits of good exercise are well documented...and martial arts takes that exercise to another level developing habits for life such as Focus, Discipline and the "will" to succeed!

Great academics and philosophers since Socrates and Plato had practiced combat which, for more than just physical, attributed the benefits of Courtesy, Integrity, Modesty, Perseverance and Self Control to their success. 

Forbes Magazine did a study of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies over 50 years and found that the top 5% of these CEOs had 3 consistent traits. They either had a background in; professional competitive sports, the military or martial arts. There is a direct correlation between the skills learnt in these areas that can be applied to all aspects of life.

In light of end of year exam results being handed out, we make a special recognition to the high school and university students who kept up the training in martial arts during these high times of mental stress to help with their high ranked academic results.

Do you not think your child needs these attributes to succeed academically?

In our experience we have no doubt they do as the best students in martial arts mostly become great students in study and in business..its no coincidence!

Brothers Pavle and Misha Cajic are classic examples. Started training in martial arts with GIANT Instructor Giorgio Repice in 2009, consistently trained through their HSC year and achieved 1st degree black belt in 2016. They both have achieved university degree's, Misha being a pilot and Pavle accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music which is one of the oldest and most prestigious music schools in Australia....its no coincidence!

Many students at GIANT today follow this example of managing martial arts time in with their study time for maximum results.

Putting kids into Martial Arts could be one of the best decisions a parent could make. Pulling kids out of Martial Arts to give them time to focus on study and school could be one of the worst decisions a parent could make...

Read our testimonials for more success stories!

Look into what Neil Farber M.D, Ph.D (Professor in Psychology) has to say in his article Positive Psychology in Martial Arts

A LOG FROM PARENTING.COM

With a bloodcurdling cry, your 6-year-old leaps into the air with a jumping kick, raising your hair and blood pressure simultaneously. Before you panic and pad the walls, try channelling this urge into a martial arts class.

Activities like Hapkido are a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness and focus. Some parents may think they also promote violence, but that's a myth, according to experts. The martial arts actually help teach self-discipline and socialisation skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

A typical 45 minute class begins and ends with a bow to the teacher, or master. After a warm-up, students practice the art's particular skills, which may include kicks, punches and throws. Each requires concentration and strict attention.

Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colours until black. Testing for each new level, generally every three months, is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals.

But, say experts, it's the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit: It often carries over into school, helping to improve behaviour and even grades, according to recent research.