When correcting learning problems, the one sure method to coordinating information between the left and right hemispheres of the brain is to have the student cross the vertical midline of the body with physical exercises. Often the left and right hemispheres do not communicate with each other properly. Or, the right brain dominant student might have a difficult time accessing the left brain hemisphere skills, such as words and phonics, speech, numbers and math, reasoning, linear thought, conscious control, and analysis. Right brain dominant skills include rhythm music, shapes, colors, pictures, emotions, daydreaming, expression and tone, problem solving, and automatic movement. By having the student cross the vertical midline of the body, the student is able to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and learn more efficiently.
So, why is martial arts recommended by learning professionals? To begin with, it is widely known that martial arts helps focusing skills and discipline. The right brain dominant child usually has a difficult time with focusing and conscious control. These kids are the daydreamers who seem to just blurt out whatever comes into their brains and also will just act out without thinking, so the focusing and discipline are always the major reasons that educators refer students to martial arts.
However, there is an added benefit that most people are not aware of, usually even the masters of martial arts. Through the kicks and punches that are routinely taught at martial arts studios, the student actually crosses that vertical midline of the body and helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. These kicks and punches are routinely done in all martial arts, and the benefit is astounding. These kids really do focus better, not due to the discipline, but due to the ability to access the left sides of their brains – the conscious control, linear thought, and reasoning. Kids who have the benefit of martial arts training and stick with it for extended periods have the benefit of left and right brain hemisphere balancing activities without even knowing it.
Learning professionals will spend a lot of time balancing and integrating the brain, if they even are aware of the activities that do this. Brain Gym has been around for a long time and that is exactly what it does. If you look at the activities in Brain Gym, they are physical activities that cross the vertical midline of the body. So do the martial arts punches and kicks, and students can do this without the boredom factor setting in. As they learn new moves, they are not bored with the same thing over and over again.
Finally, another benefit of having kids take martial arts lessons is the skill of visual memory. In our fast paced society, kids are not having to form visual pictures in their brains. Because of this, these kids are having a difficult time memorizing math facts and learning basic reading skills. Computers and video games have given them instant pictures so their minds don’t have to do this. Martial arts forces kids to make a picture in their minds. They must picture the move they are asked to make. They must see it in their minds before they can perform the move. Consequently, as their visual memory skills increase, their academic skills improve as well.
Martial arts is more than just an activity for kids. It is in essence a disciplinarian, focus building, academic tutor – all packaged in one lesson.
About the author:
Lisa Harp, a teacher and educational therapist, offers a line of learning products designed to help the struggling learner in a quick, effective, affordable setting.
http://www.learning-aids.com
