20 Aug Why martial arts contribute to improving concentration in a distracted world ?
In a world increasingly filled with distractions and demands, the ability to focus has become an invaluable asset. In this context, martial arts, and in particular Taekwondo, emerge as a powerful tool to improve the concentration and mental focus of people regardless of age. In this article, we will explore how this ancient discipline can improve the concentration of practitioners, positively impacting personal, school, academic, and work development.

A scientific study considered that martial arts is an active sport (physical exercise) that includes aspects of meditation and mindfulness, concluding that martial arts help to significantly improve the brain and the body [1]
Discipline and concentration:
In the environment of a martial arts class, discipline and concentration prevail, since students must follow the rules of the class, the instructions of the instructor, while maintaining concentration on the movements that their body performs. The benefit of discipline and concentration acquired almost unconsciously in a martial arts class helps the development of the same skills in the school, academic or work environment.
Stress reduction:
In the world we live in, stress and focus go hand in hand. Nowadays people are stressed by various issues (problems, frustrations, work, study,) and this prevents them from having the necessary clarity to face daily obligations with 100% energy. Martial arts (taekwondo) are effective in reducing stress, as they involve powerful physical activity and in turn a mental activity that encourages the here and now. When the student practices martial activity, his mind focuses on the moment – since it is impossible to perform the physical movements with the necessary coordination, without the mind being focused on it, – which facilitates the reduction of Stress.
By learning to control their breathing, relax their body, and focus on the present moment, the students gains tools to effectively manage negative emotions that may interfere with their ability to focus.
Conclusion
In summary, martial arts offer a wide range of benefits that can help students improve their concentration in today’s distracted world. It’s s a dual activity (physical and mental) with a great impact on the physical and cognitive development of the people who practice it.
Author
Mauro Echezarreta
ATA Taekwondo Instructor
[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00080/full