Martial Arts Kids Are Good Grade Go-Getters

Kung fu training and schoolwork share a goal: a change in attitude and action that leads a student to become a successful, productive member of the community. At school, achievement is rewarded with good grades. Training builds the qualities and habits needed to meet the challenges of school. Chief among them are discipline and self-control, self-worth and self-esteem, and courtesy and respect for others.

Traditional kung fu students develop discipline, respect and courtesy through a curriculum that focuses on fitness, self-defense and self-confidence at home, at school and in the community. Parents are often asked to help reinforce these lessons at home.

Discipline and self-control are needed both at school and in kung fu. At school, a student must pay attention to the teacher and avoid distraction. In kung fu, focus is just as necessary. Students practice shutting out distractions, working under pressure and concentrating on the task in front of them. That practice carries into the classroom, where students who can stay attentive for longer often see their grades improve.

Self-worth grows from reaching goals. At school, that might be finishing a book on time or doing well on a test. In kung fu, it might be earning a stripe or moving up in belt color.

Students learn to reach big goals by setting smaller ones and working through them in order. Mapping a path and hitting milestones along the way is critical to success in kung fu, at school and in life.

Courtesy and respect show cooperation, appreciation and modesty. At school, that can mean helping a struggling classmate or not laughing at a wrong answer. Kung fu students practice courtesy by bowing, recognizing others' achievements, listening quietly, giving sincere effort and saying thank you at the end of class.

As their training progresses, students learn to lead by respecting their instructors, listening and staying open to new things. That leadership serves them in class, at school and in their communities.