IMPROVING CHILDREN’S ATTENTION SPAN WITH MARTIAL ARTS PRACTICE
Increasing attention spans to more extended periods of time is part of a child’s natural cognitive development. As they become toddlers, preschoolers, and then elementary students, their ability to focus for periods of time will only continue to increase. If they are unable, school can become a challenge for them, their classmates, and their teachers.
When a student joins our children’s martial arts program, they may not have the ability to easily pay attention to their instructors. But, over time, through our teaching methods, and the leadership of other students around them, their attention spans with strengthen and lengthen.
How Does Martial Arts Improve Focus and Attention Span?
A great question, and not as short of an answer as you might think.
A lot is going on in the world. Children are busy, moving from one thing to the next. And children are curious. This curiosity makes it easy for them to be distracted when attempting to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. They are so used to go-go-go, and focus can be a skill that is hard to learn in everyday activities. Martial Arts classes help a child learn how to focus and lengthen their attention span in multiple ways:
Exerting Energy
Firstly, a child that has energy to burn is going to have trouble focusing. Martial arts are physically demanding and give children a safe place to burn that energy. And refocus it into something productive.
Self-Discipline
Teaching children that their behavior is a choice, is eye-opening. In Kung Fu class, they will figure out that they can choose to stay on task, follow directions, and not be tempted to act out, goof off or give attention to any distractions. This ability to discipline themselves is invaluable as they grow older and face peer pressures and become more responsible for their own obligations.
Respect
Staying focused and attentive is a requirement for showing your instructor respect. If a child is constantly speaking, looking away, or not listening, the instructor will gently require they refocus. Through traditional martial arts practices and customs, your child will learn how to show respect from day one. Being quiet, eyes on the instructor, and proper greetings will become a daily habit. The very first stance is “ready position” for a reason. In this stance, your child will be quiet, focused, and ready for instruction.
Mental Clarity & Focus
Kung Fu class demands focus. Through this focus, a child will gain mental clarity as they must stop their minds from wandering on to other subjects. To succeed, they must be able to not only calm the mind but to clear it of distractions. This mental clarity is what allows them to focus, or the focus creates mental clarity, but the two work together to strengthen a kid’s attention span over many practices and lessons.
An improved attention span is just one benefit of children’s martial arts classes. To see more, make sure you read The Benefits of Children’s Martial Arts Classes.
If your child could benefit from an increased attention span, take advantage of our free semi-private class to see if USKSA is right for your child.
Owings Mills: (443) 394-9222
Marriottsville: (443) 545-5566
What Others Say About us!
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The School has Transformed my Life.
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
Steve Smith
Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused & organized at work
It has helped me keep my sanity! Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused and organized at work. I am a better person, writer, and mother because of my experiences at USKSA. And it's been the "village" that has helped my sons learn about values and character and hard work. If you want to change your life for the better, if you want to give your children tools...then this is the place.
Xylia Hall
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people.
Jeramy Hansen
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people. Joining US Kuo Shu Academy was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Jeramy Hansen
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
The School has Transformed my Life
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The Best School of Martial Arts
My children have been students for more than 4 years now and they love this school of martial arts. US Kuo Shu Academy is their second home, learning not just Kung Fu but also developing one’s character as a good, responsible, respectful and disciplined citizen. Thank you very much Grandmaster Huang. Master Michael Hung and all the teachers and students for making this place the best school of martial arts.