We are all aware that exercise generally has many benefits, such as improving physical fitness and strength. But what do we know about the effects of specific types of exercise? Researchers have already shown that jogging can increase life expectancy, for example, while yoga makes us happy. However, there is one activity that goes beyond enhancing physical and mental health – martial arts can boost your brain’s cognition, too.
1. Improved attention
Researchers say there are two ways to improve attention: attention training (AT) and attention state training (AST). AT is based on practicing a specific skill and getting better at that skill, but not others—using a brain-training video game, for example. AST, on the other hand, is about getting into a specific state of mind that allows a stronger focus. This can be done by using exercise, meditation, or yoga, among other things.
It has been suggested that martial arts are a form of AST, and supporting this, recent research has shown a link between practice and improved alertness. Backing this idea up further, another study showed that martial arts practice – specifically karate – is linked with better performance on a divided attention task. This is an assignment in which the person has to keep two rules in mind and respond to signals based on whether they are auditory or visual.
2. Reduced aggression
In a US study, children aged 8-11 were tasked with traditional martial arts training that focused on respecting other people and defending themselves as part of an anti-bullying program. The children were also taught how to maintain a level of self-control in heated situations.
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The researchers found that martial arts training reduced the level of aggressive behavior in boys and that they were more likely to step in and help someone who was being bullied than before they took part in the training. Significant changes were not found in the girls’ behavior, potentially because they showed much lower levels of physical aggression before the training than the boys did.
Interestingly, this anti-aggression effect is not limited to young children. A different piece of research found reduced physical and verbal aggression, as well as hostility, in adolescents who practiced martial arts, too.
3. Greater stress management
Some forms of martial arts, such as tai chi, emphasize controlled breathing and meditation. One study strongly linked these with reduced feelings of stress and better management of stress in young to middle-aged adults.
This effect has also been found in older adults—the 330 participants in this research had a mean age of 73—and the softer, flowing movements make it an ideal, low-impact exercise for older people.
4. Enhanced emotional well-being
Several scientists are now investigating the links between emotional well-being and physical health. It’s vital to note that martial arts have also been shown to improve a person’s emotional well-being.
In the study linked above, 45 older adults (aged 67-93) were asked to participate in karate training, cognitive training, or non-martial arts physical training for three to six months. The older adults in the karate training group showed lower levels of depression after the training period than both other groups, perhaps due to its meditative aspect. It was also reported that these adults showed a greater level of self-esteem after the training.
5. Improved memory
After comparing a sedentary control group to a group of people doing karate, Italian researchers found that taking part in karate can improve a person’s working memory. They used a test that involved recalling and repeating a series of numbers, both in the correct order and backward, which increased in difficulty until the participant was unable to continue. The karate group was much better at this task than the control group, meaning they could recall longer series of numbers. Another project found similar results while comparing tai chi practice with “Western exercise” – strength, endurance, and resistance training.
Evidently, there is far more to martial arts than its traditional roles. Though they have been practiced for self-defense and spiritual development for many hundreds of years, only relatively recently have researchers had the methods to assess the true extent of how this practice affects the brain.
There is such a huge range of martial arts, some more gentle and meditative, others combative and physically intensive. But this only means that there is a type for everyone, so why not give it a go and see how you can boost your own brain using the ancient practices of martial arts?
