Five Brain-Boosting Reasons to Take Up Martial Arts—at Any Age

These ancient fighting forms can combat foes ranging from depression to forgetfulness

Lucy Baldwin/Shutterstock

We are all aware that exercise can improve 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, martial arts go beyond enhancing physical and mental health—they can boost your brain’s cognition, too.

1. Improved Attention

Researchers say that there are two ways to improve attention, through 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—for example, using a brain-training video game. 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 practicing martial arts, specifically karate, is linked to better performance on a divided attention task—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 U.S. study, children aged 8 to 11 were given 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.