Martial Mind in Formal Education

Martial Mind is a martial arts-inspired social-emotional learning program that aims to increase character development in children to help them grow into ethical, well-coping, and moral citizens. Many people enroll in martial arts classes to increase fitness and overall health physically. However, research indicates that traditional martial arts has a foundation of improving the mind first, then the body. The underlying principle of many traditional martial arts believes in strengthening the mind first by adhering to values such as courtesy, integrity, and self-control. When we strengthen our minds, we become strong-willed, focused, disciplined, and confident. Specifically, when educating children, this is the very foundation that provides the most success in great character development. From there, the achievements in physical feats can be made easier.

In Martial Mind, we emphasize the goal of "Improvement of Mind and Body". It relates to educating the mind and increasing the health of our body. However, Martial Mind is not a martial arts program such as Karate or Taekwondo or Judo. We focus on teaching themes that include the key elements of traditional martial arts in the modern days. Themes such as integrity, perseverance, and empathy are selected based on their common emphasized values and practices in many cultures. The selected themes will also aim to cover the SEL Five Competencies as suggested by the Department of Education. In each Martial Mind class, we spotlight a theme that can explain the reasoning behind it and how it benefits the students' emotional development through practicing basic martial arts techniques and meditation.

Physical Education as a form of Social and Emotional Learning

Schools are the primary social environments for children. Educators need to provide a culture that can support students' development of social skills and emotional competence through interacting with classmates and teachers. Without an interactive culture and consistent practice, schools are only social environments with good intentions. In Martial Mind, physical educators serve as the core messengers that will guide students to transfer the skills learned to other physical activities, other classrooms, and communities beyond their school.

Please contact us if you are interested in integrating Martial Mind in your curriculum!

Also, learn more about Martial Virtues.