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Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Helping children with ADHD could be as easy as enrolling them in Tae Kwon Do classes
Some parents will try anything to help their child who is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, looking for a cure for the condition that can affect the development of their son or daughter. One common method that is believed to treat ADHD is computer-based training programs that can stimulate cognitive functions. While these initiatives have been found to allow children to work on their short-term memory, psychology professor Mark Rapport and his team of researchers at University of Central Florida found that these computer-based training programs are not proven to treat kids with ADHD.
"Parents are desperate for help," said Rapport, who runs the Children's Learning Clinic IV at UCF. "If they can afford it, they are willing to spend the money, and some parents even enroll their children in private schools because they offer these cognitive training programs. But there is no empirical evidence to show those investments are worthwhile."
The programs don't improve working memory
One of the biggest problems faced by children with ADHD is their working memory suffers greatly. Kids with a strong working memory are usually solid performers in school, well-behaved and easy to get along with. After Rapport and his team analyzed data from 25 studies on the matter, they concluded that computer-based training programs do not create opportunities for long-term cognitive improvements.
One of the biggest problems faced by children with ADHD is their working memory suffers greatly. Kids with a strong working memory are usually solid performers in school, well-behaved and easy to get along with. After Rapport and his team analyzed data from 25 studies on the matter, they concluded that computer-based training programs do not create opportunities for long-term cognitive improvements.
Rapport doesn't discount the value of the learning systems, but he does imply that parents should save their money if they are hoping these computer-based training programs will help cure their son or daughter of ADHD. Perhaps enrolling children in Tae Kwon Do training classes is a better investment.
Turn extra energy into positive energy
Many children who suffer from ADHD are constantly bouncing off the walls, which is exactly why it may be a good idea for their parents to get them involved in Tae Kwon Do. Training and learning the techniques of the martial arts gives kids an opportunity to channel their extra energy into focus to quickly develop an understanding of the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.
Many children who suffer from ADHD are constantly bouncing off the walls, which is exactly why it may be a good idea for their parents to get them involved in Tae Kwon Do. Training and learning the techniques of the martial arts gives kids an opportunity to channel their extra energy into focus to quickly develop an understanding of the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.
Instructors often express to their students that they need to have a strong mind before a strong body. Children will have to learn how to train their minds to succeed in Tae Kwon Do and the development of their skills will begin to take care of itself. Considering Tae Kwon Do as a way to help children with ADHD can be a solid alternative to medicating them or making them complete computer-based training programs that don't have the same results.
See how we can help your child with ADHD. Call 903-243-8767 or visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to start today!
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Martial arts training aids children with ADHD
Attending martial arts class is about more than getting a workout and learning self-defense tactics. Each student can get something different out of his or her experience, but training can be especially rewarding for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Martial arts teacher Rodger Pyle knows this diagnosed with ADHD as a child, he told ADDitude magazine.
Pyle struggled as a child because his public school didn’t know how to deal with his condition, and it wasn’t until he found martial arts that he was able to overcome some of his mental hurdles. Now he uses his experience to help children with the disorder. After all, many studies show complex physical activity, like martial arts, helps students strengthen neural networks in the brain and learn how to control their impulses.
“My job is to look beyond a student’s diagnosis and find ways to motivate him while playing up his strengths,” Pyle told the magazine.
Martial arts helps children with ADHD find direction
Suffering through ADHD himself has allowed Pyle to feel rewarded as his students take steps to build their mental strength. Martial arts can be critical in the development of children as it helps them learn life lessons that they can carry with them after their time at the school is over. Here are some of the benefits that students with ADHD are able to take away from martial arts training:
Suffering through ADHD himself has allowed Pyle to feel rewarded as his students take steps to build their mental strength. Martial arts can be critical in the development of children as it helps them learn life lessons that they can carry with them after their time at the school is over. Here are some of the benefits that students with ADHD are able to take away from martial arts training:
- Improved ability to communicate: Not only does martial arts require students to work together on their craft, but it also teaches respect. This can be worthwhile for children with ADHD because they can often lack the patience necessary to get along with others. Learning how to work together in a team environment is a timeless skill.
- Higher self esteem: Children with knowledge of their disorder may feel embarrassed or have low self esteem. With martial arts training, students can get a sense of achievement as they move up the ranks. This will help with their self-confidence outside the school.
- Better self-discipline: Martial arts students must learn to control their brains before they can be successful in class. While this can be an especially difficult challenge for those with ADHD, learning self-discipline will help children start a path to coping with their disorder.
Learn how we can help support your child with ADD/ADHD. Get your first month of martial arts classes for only $49 with a FREE uniform included. Call 903-243-8767 or visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to register today!
Friday, April 15, 2016
The Control Contradiction in Martial Arts
A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology revealed that martial arts training is effective at teaching self-control. It makes sense, given that martial arts practitioners have to perform moves carefully and in a certain way, and behave respectfully during class. They regulate their actions and the power behind their strikes, and many individuals feel more in control of their lives after studying a discipline. But the irony of martial arts is that you have to relinquish control before you find it.
Leave egos at the door
Starting a new martial art is a humbling experience: You don't know any of the techniques those around you seem to have no problem performing. Even students who have been studying for years get knocked down, mess up a form or forget a skill. Every time you enter the class, you have to leave your ego at the door, knowing you are not perfect – and that's OK. Eventually, your body will learn the techniques, and you will progress in your training.
Starting a new martial art is a humbling experience: You don't know any of the techniques those around you seem to have no problem performing. Even students who have been studying for years get knocked down, mess up a form or forget a skill. Every time you enter the class, you have to leave your ego at the door, knowing you are not perfect – and that's OK. Eventually, your body will learn the techniques, and you will progress in your training.
However, if you try to control your training, you'll fail to learn. Instead of trying to control everything, let go. Focus on listening to your instructor and your peers and feeling the way your body is moving.
Letting your instructor lead the way
Some people also have a hard time trusting their instructors. This relative stranger is telling you to move your body in ways you may never have before, so the fear of letting go is understandable. However, the instructor is your ally, and he or she is asking you to do new things to help you grow.
Some people also have a hard time trusting their instructors. This relative stranger is telling you to move your body in ways you may never have before, so the fear of letting go is understandable. However, the instructor is your ally, and he or she is asking you to do new things to help you grow.
There will be days in your training when you want to progress to new techniques, but your instructor is making you drill the basics. Or, you might be itching to test for the next belt. Your instructor knows what he or she is doing. Trust in the experts, and you'll become a better martial artist.
Once you give up control, you'll start mastering yourself and the discipline.
Start your path to discipline today with our FREE trial class and your first month for only $49 with FREE Uniform included. Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to register today!
article originally published at Kicksite MAT chat newsletter.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Can martial arts help kids focus?
What characteristics define the ideal martial artist? Films like "Ip Man" and "Fearless" depict legendary masters as practitioners who are focused, calm, kind and disciplined. And while every martial artist may have his or her own view of what a true master is like, it's hard to argue against traits like self-regulation. In fact, to rise in rank, students have to motivate themselves, push past their comfort zones and internalize the skills they're taught. It's for this reason martial arts have a reputation for instilling focus.
If your child lacks focus in school, can martial arts help? Possibly.
How martial arts teach focus
Whether your child wants to learn a modern or traditional martial art, he or she will be exposed to a structured environment. Most instructors lay out codes of conduct for their classes, which include practices like bowing, reciting mottos and staying on task. Getting distracted is much more difficult if an instructor requires students to pay attention and calls out those who aren't following the rules.
Whether your child wants to learn a modern or traditional martial art, he or she will be exposed to a structured environment. Most instructors lay out codes of conduct for their classes, which include practices like bowing, reciting mottos and staying on task. Getting distracted is much more difficult if an instructor requires students to pay attention and calls out those who aren't following the rules.
Additionally, martial-arts moves can be complicated, as they combine both upper- and lower-body movement. Your child will have to focus to be able to not only perform new actions, but also commit them to muscle memory.
Finally, martial arts can be fun! If your child enjoys the training – and the sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that come with it – he or she will be motivated to remain focused during class. Practice makes perfect, and the more your child exercises concentration in the studio, the easier it will be for him or her to do so in school.
Studies in intervention
The structure of martial arts seems to support developing focus, but what does research say? According to a study published in the Journal of Pedagogical Development, the benefits of martial arts reach beyond self-defense and encompass the building of self-regulation. This basically means martial arts teach kids a variety of skills that help them avoid reacting impulsively.
Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to see how we may be able to help your child learn to focus.
The structure of martial arts seems to support developing focus, but what does research say? According to a study published in the Journal of Pedagogical Development, the benefits of martial arts reach beyond self-defense and encompass the building of self-regulation. This basically means martial arts teach kids a variety of skills that help them avoid reacting impulsively.
Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to see how we may be able to help your child learn to focus.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Life lessons you can learn from martial arts
Training in martial arts teaches more than physical fitness. In fact, by training in martial arts, kids, adults and seniors can pick up on a plethora of life lessons. All those kicks, punches and times you've been knocked to the mat may just teach you a thing or two about making your way through life. With that in mind, here are some of the valuable lessons you can learn during training:
Perseverance is something you choose
No one masters martial arts in a day – that's why it's called an art. You have to pour in years of practice and dedication to get to a "master" level, and even then your work isn't done. During the time you study your chosen martial art, you will make mistakes. You'll be knocked down or feel like you don't have the energy to keep moving. This is when you can make a choice to either persevere or give up. Perseverance doesn't happen automatically. It is an intentional decision every individual must make, and martial arts will force you to choose. The good news is that your peers and teachers will be there with you, cheering you on.
No one masters martial arts in a day – that's why it's called an art. You have to pour in years of practice and dedication to get to a "master" level, and even then your work isn't done. During the time you study your chosen martial art, you will make mistakes. You'll be knocked down or feel like you don't have the energy to keep moving. This is when you can make a choice to either persevere or give up. Perseverance doesn't happen automatically. It is an intentional decision every individual must make, and martial arts will force you to choose. The good news is that your peers and teachers will be there with you, cheering you on.
Learning never ends
While you can earn a black belt or the rank of "master" in martial arts, you'll never stop learning. The most skilled fighters know that they can always improve, which motivates them to keep training and testing their limits. In fact, your instructor probably still takes classes and trains with others. The same is true of things you learn in other facets of life. Whether it's your job or a hobby, you can always improve your skills. Adopt this attitude in martial arts and in life, and you'll be more likely to grow in your abilities and as a person.
While you can earn a black belt or the rank of "master" in martial arts, you'll never stop learning. The most skilled fighters know that they can always improve, which motivates them to keep training and testing their limits. In fact, your instructor probably still takes classes and trains with others. The same is true of things you learn in other facets of life. Whether it's your job or a hobby, you can always improve your skills. Adopt this attitude in martial arts and in life, and you'll be more likely to grow in your abilities and as a person.
Challenging yourself will help you grow
As you train in martial arts, you'll quickly notice that who you practice with and how hard you work affects your growth. Pairing with students who have greater experience than you can help you learn new skills more quickly. What's more, working hard on your own time and going to tournaments will kick-start improvement. Essentially, martial arts will teach you that challenging yourself and going outside of your comfort zone will pay off, no matter what you're doing.
As you train in martial arts, you'll quickly notice that who you practice with and how hard you work affects your growth. Pairing with students who have greater experience than you can help you learn new skills more quickly. What's more, working hard on your own time and going to tournaments will kick-start improvement. Essentially, martial arts will teach you that challenging yourself and going outside of your comfort zone will pay off, no matter what you're doing.
Even small steps matter
You may not notice many of the improvements you make while you train in martial arts. But low and behold, after some training time has passed, you'll see just how far you've come. Martial arts can teach you that seemingly insignificant steps ultimately lead to a brighter future. In other words, change is slow, but it's happening constantly. The same is true in all areas of life. Saying "yes" to something small you would otherwise have passed up could lay the foundation for things to come.
You may not notice many of the improvements you make while you train in martial arts. But low and behold, after some training time has passed, you'll see just how far you've come. Martial arts can teach you that seemingly insignificant steps ultimately lead to a brighter future. In other words, change is slow, but it's happening constantly. The same is true in all areas of life. Saying "yes" to something small you would otherwise have passed up could lay the foundation for things to come.
You are stronger than you think
After persevering, challenging yourself and making small steps, you'll soon realize that you're stronger than you could have ever imagined. Those falls, mistakes and losses all helped you become who you are, and you ultimately succeeded. Even in work, home and personal life, you are strong. Martial arts merely shows you in what ways.
After persevering, challenging yourself and making small steps, you'll soon realize that you're stronger than you could have ever imagined. Those falls, mistakes and losses all helped you become who you are, and you ultimately succeeded. Even in work, home and personal life, you are strong. Martial arts merely shows you in what ways.
While martial arts offers physical benefits, it can also help you see possibilities. Remember these life lessons you received while training and bring them with you through daily life.
Start your journey today for only $49 with a FREE Uniform included. Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com or call 903-243-8767
Friday, February 12, 2016
Martial arts strengthen family bonds
It's important children learn values that will help guide them on their journeys through life. The most effective teachers of these values: family members. In fact, experts from the University of Illinois Family Works Extension maintain a child's home is the place he or she will learn important values.
Strong family bonding will help instill moral standards to children as they grow up. In 2007, researchers form Penn State University reached out to family members who trained in martial arts together. Researchers quickly discovered how much parents valued the time together as a family unit.
"In this world of busy schedules, family time gets more and more limited," replied a 40-year old wife and mother of four, who had been training in martial arts with her family for over a year when the survey was conducted. "Training together allows for one more time that we can be together as a family, not only on the deck, but even just the car ride to and from the dojo."
Although the survey was conducted years ago, her answer still holds true today. Here are some ways martial arts can help build a stronger family bond:
Time
One of the biggest obstacles when attempting to establish a strong family bond is trying to find time in every family member's schedule to spend with each other. Training together encourages every member of your family to make the time to practice at the studio at the same time.
One of the biggest obstacles when attempting to establish a strong family bond is trying to find time in every family member's schedule to spend with each other. Training together encourages every member of your family to make the time to practice at the studio at the same time.
Common ground
It doesn't just stop with time spent in the studio either. As parents, it can be difficult to relate to children due to a lack of common ground. By practicing the same martial art together, family members instantly have a hobby in common, and as a result, have even more to talk about.
It doesn't just stop with time spent in the studio either. As parents, it can be difficult to relate to children due to a lack of common ground. By practicing the same martial art together, family members instantly have a hobby in common, and as a result, have even more to talk about.
Respect
Parents fight hard to earn the respect of their children. Martial arts instructors teach students to respect fellow instructors and peers, both inside and out of the studio. That sense of respect can be applied to other facets of life, including familial relations.
Parents fight hard to earn the respect of their children. Martial arts instructors teach students to respect fellow instructors and peers, both inside and out of the studio. That sense of respect can be applied to other facets of life, including familial relations.
Discipline
Martial arts students are taught to stick to a practice schedule and attend classes regularly. The discipline to do so will be applied to other areas of a child's life, too.
Martial arts students are taught to stick to a practice schedule and attend classes regularly. The discipline to do so will be applied to other areas of a child's life, too.
Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should be physically active for 60 minutes per day. Practicing martial arts is a fun and safe way for family members of all ages to get the daily exercise they need.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should be physically active for 60 minutes per day. Practicing martial arts is a fun and safe way for family members of all ages to get the daily exercise they need.
The family that kicks together sticks together. Start today and enjoy our great family discounts. Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com or call 903-243-8767 to register.
Originally posted at KickSite.net MAT Chat Newsletter.
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