The developing mind is a fascinating field of study, one which we take very seriously. The overall success of Perez Martial Arts students lie within their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth. This gives them success in school and life.
We have a passion and care towards understanding the intricacies of the developing mind. Eight science and psychology-based skills have been purposefully developed to support the growing mind on and beyond the mats in our curriculum:
1. Speed of Processing
2. Divided Attention
3. Attention Control
4. Response Inhibition
5. Long-Term Memory
6. Working Memory
7. Auditory Processing
8. Visual Processing
Let us take a closer look at the first two character skills, for example:
Speed of Processing
“Speed of Processing refers to how quickly one can process incoming information.”
When this skill is a strength:
• Missions can be performed and completed decisively and with accuracy.
• The best choice and ability to execute corresponding action steps accordingly comes easily.
When this skill is weak:
• It can take longer than perhaps expected to complete a given mission.
• Errors and mistakes tend to be made as the mind tends to jump to conclusions before the logical steps of completion have been formulated.
Divided Attention
“Divided Attention enables you to remember information while doing multiple things at once.”
When this skill is a strength:
• One can see multiple missions through simultaneously.
• More missions are able to be completed faster.
When this skill is weak:
• It is hard to do multiple things simultaneously.
• Mistakes are often made when trying to do more than one thing at a time.
How this Relates to Success in School
Through the power of game-based learning, our team of Pediatric Ninja Specialists are honing in on supporting the Speed of Processing as well as Divided Attention. This helps Perez Martial Arts students be able to intellectually thrive in and and have success in school. How? By putting brain power into action!
Perhaps a Perez Martial Arts student is working on Coordination; understanding how the left and right side of the body work together. Their instructor holds two dodgeballs in their hands. One ball is red while the other is blue. As the instructor tosses the ball into the air towards the ninja, they call out “Right, Red!” The ninja then has to practice their Speed of Processing in this case, to right hand punch the incoming red ball before it is too late.
When you give the developing minds of kids and teens the opportunity to to be challenged, new neural pathways of operation are able to be created and then strengthened. How incredible is it that we can access brain building tools to support today’s youth on and beyond the mats all through the power of play! Talk about having success in school!
If you would like to learn more about how we are integrating character education into our Perez Martial Arts students experiences on and beyond the mats, please call us at 508.203.1777 or email rolando@perezmartialarts.com.