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Ajay Patel
Mrs. DeBock
English 4 Honors
October 13, 2015
How does Martial Arts Benefit People?
Martial arts helps people who have motor and cognitive impairments and with people
who have balance issues Martial arts are an ancient method of training the mind, body and spirit
to act as one. Martial arts practitioners strive for harmony, but also learn effective and often
devastating self-defense techniques. Most martial arts originated in Asia and include karate, kung
Fu, Jiu jitsu, aikido, tae kwon do, judo and muay Thai. People with disabilities can benefit from
martial arts because it strengthens and improves their motor and cognitive skills.
Fitness is a crucial element to all martial arts classes, especially where children are
involved. Warm-ups with jumping jacks, pushups and stretches are common, and the movements
of the martial art itself often challenge the muscles and cardiovascular system.(McArron) Martial
artists are known for being toned, flexible and physically fit. Regular physical activity has an
effect on biological responses in both muscles and organs that, in turn, alter the structure and
functions of the brain. Therefore, a study was conducted to compare motor (sprint, coordination
ability and explosive legs strength skills) and cognitive abilities (working memory, attention,
executive functioning) in children. The subjects were tested by a sprint test, a standing board
jump test, and a reaction time test. Karate children show better speed times, explosive legs
strength and coordination skills. They scored better on working memory, visual selective
attention and executive functions. (Alesi). Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in

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older people, leading to fractures, head injuries, and even death. Recovery from fall-related
injuries may involve extensive immobilization in bed, which in turn increases the risk of
osteoporosis, pneumonia, and depression.
According to most studies, the movements in Tai Chi can improve balance and decrease
the risk of falling. People with psychiatric disabilities have a need for basic health services that
are often neglected. Approximately 1.7 to 2.4 million people in the United States who have a
severe psychiatric disability (Unger & Skrinar, 1992). People who experience psychiatric
disorders not only have mental illness to contend with, they also struggle with poor physical
fitness; including weight problems; poor sleep habits; poor cardiovascular fitness; low energy;
poor body image; and low self-esteem. For those who have psychiatric disabilities and wish to
return to the work force or improve their quality of life, these conditions may make the
rehabilitation process difficult. (Moglia) It is not a vigorous type of exercise and can be an
excellent choice for an individual who lacks physical conditioning or the self-confidence
required by more traditional exercise programs. Tai Chi exercise may benefit older individuals
because the exercise incorporates elements of strengthening, balance, postural alignment, and
concentration. All four of these factors are essential to prevent falls. Although Tai Chi is a
relaxing and enjoyable exercise that older persons do for physical benefits, continued practice
may lead to improvements in self-esteem, self-confidence, sleep, and depression. (Moglia)
A survey was taken to determine how well martial arts help people with disabilities.
Subjects for the study were selected based on their participation in martial arts training and
having a documented disability. The survey was placed on the Internet to increase access and
accommodations for respondents with disabilities. Recruitment of subjects was conducted by
contacting martial arts schools that advertised their inclusion of persons with disabilities in their
programs (Trimble). Information was collected on participants' age, gender, and severity of

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disability. All 20 respondents reported increases in their quality of life as a result of their martial
arts training. Four individuals felt that their quality of life was somewhat improved while the
remaining 16 respondents indicated that their quality of life was greatly improved as a result of
their martial arts training (Unger & Skrinar, 1992). The martial arts have traditionally been
thought of as a male dominated activity, but as more information is published on the long term
benefits of martial arts training, increased numbers of women have taken an interest in learning
the arts (Trimble).
The majority of participants reportedly benefited from their participation in the martial
arts. Interestingly enough, the type of martial art practiced did not influence the perceived
benefits of training. The study did not examine the relationship between length of time in
training and perceived level of benefit due to an inadequate sample size. However, length of
training time reported by Martial Arts and Disability 31 respondents tentatively suggests that
greater benefit is achieved the longer one is engaged in martial arts training (Unger & Skrinar,
1992). Another important outcome of the study was the reported improvements in functional
limitations, especially in the areas of balance, strength, and stamina. The majority of individuals
in the sample identified a physical impairment as their primary disabling condition this may have
led to the noted improvements in areas of physical functioning (Unger & Skrinar, 1992). A
majority of respondents reported that they felt more confident, had greater respect for
themselves, were more capable individuals, and that their overall quality of life has been
improved as a result of the martial arts. This has important implications for people with
disabilities and supports previous research that suggests use of the martial arts can increase
one's internal locus of control and adaptation to everyday life stressors (How martial arts can
help build confidence). Children who get involved in martial arts reap many benefits in several
areas of life. A child who is involved in martial arts is generally a child who is confident in

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themselves. Working through a martial art and the belt ranking system gives child measurable
goals to follow that are realistic to attain. The sense of accomplishment a child feels by mastering
a new technique or graduating to a new belt follows him everywhere he goes. Martial arts help
instill mental focus in a child, giving them the ability to concentrate on a task and see it through
to its conclusion. The discipline that is taught in the dojo in regard to uniforms, customs and
techniques often translates into other areas of life, including school and household chores.
(Trimble).
Martial arts helps people who have motor and cognitive impairments and with people
who have balance issues. Martial arts strengthen a persons mental and physical state by
constantly exercising them to make them stronger. Overall their quality of life significantly
improves because of martial arts.

Works Cited
Alesi, Marianha Motor and cognitive development: The role of karate. (2014). Muscle,
Ligaments, and Tendons Journal, 4, 114-120. doi:20140714

EBSCO CAM Review Board. Tai Chi" Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Ed. Richard P.
Capriccioso and Paul Moglia. Hackensack: Salem, 2012. n. page. Salem Online. Web. 21

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"How martial arts can help build confidence." Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication
Jan. 1997: 19+. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.

"Tai Chi Has Many Health Benefits for People of All Ages and Conditions." Alternative
Therapies. Ed. Sylvia Engdahl. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Current Controversies
Rpt. from "Tai Chi."National Women's Health Resource Center. 2009. Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.

Trimble, A. (2003). Essential Tips, Drills, and Combat Techniques. In Martial Arts for People
with Disabilities. Broomall, Pennsylvania: Mason Crest.

Unger & Skrinar,. Comparing the Health Status of U.S. Taijiquan and Qigong Practitioners to a
National Survey Sample Across Ages.(Mar 1992) 281-286 Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine. EBSCO September 22, 2015