How Martial Arts Training Develops Focus and Self-Control

Martial arts training is synonymous with focus and self-control. But how do precise strikes and controlled movements translate to improved focus and self-control?

How Does Martial Arts Improve Focus and Self-Control?

Instructors set goals for students to work towards, so there’s a sense of progression through each class. This structure provides a framework for us to exercise self-control — when class starts, students are expected to focus on the training and nothing else.

Martial arts incorporates different styles and stances, each with its own techniques, creating a systematic way of learning and practising. The aim of martial arts isn’t just to learn a technique, but to do it perfectly. Through repeated practice, students sharpen their skills and build stronger focus.

While martial arts have historically been used as a means of self-defence, modern martial arts classes focus more on achieving good technique. Students who spar with each other during training learn the value of self-control by overcoming opponents without excessive violence.

Evidence of the Link Between Martial Arts and Self-Control

A 2022 study by Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience revealed that martial arts practitioners had higher self-control and cognitive reappraisal (looking at a situation objectively rather than reacting emotionally). The study highlighted that martial arts training helps improve participants’ self-control and lowers aggressive and impulsive tendencies.

While other types of exercise build discipline too, research shows that martial arts significantly improves self-control. A 2004 study in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that adolescents who trained in martial arts had more self-control than those who trained in regular physical activity.

Practical Applications of Martial Arts for Focus and Self-Control

Regular martial arts participants display self-control both on and off the mat, allowing them to face difficult situations or challenges in life regardless of age.

Improved focus and self-control play a big role in the early development and learning journey of young children, enabling them to be less distracted during school and absorb information more effectively.

Martial arts can also benefit adults and children with ADHD, who often struggle to focus and tend to have short attention spans. Practising martial arts provides ADHD individuals with a healthy outlet to release excess energy and learn how to exercise greater control over mental focus and ability.

Learning self-control through martial arts training can also benefit individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol, smoking, or substance abuse. Martial arts provide a framework that enables individuals in recovery to overcome old patterns of behaviour and change themselves for the better.

Which Martial Art is the Best for Developing Self-Control?

There is no clear answer, as each martial art style has its own approach to developing focus and self-control. Traditional forms of martial arts, such as Wing Chun Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, place a greater emphasis on values like self-control and discipline. Competitive martial arts, such as Mixed Martial Arts, emphasise the sport aspect more and tend to incorporate fewer traditional values.

Choosing the right martial arts provider will significantly impact how self-control and focus can be learned through training. Most martial arts academies across Australia openly advertise the development of values like focus and self-control in training programs. However, only a handful of providers actually practice what they preach and help students develop discipline.

At UMF Academy, we incorporate the industry’s leading Character Development System into our martial arts programs for kids, instilling values like self-control and improving mental focus. We also offer adult classes for individuals from all walks of life to improve themselves, get fit, and find a healthy outlet to manage stress.