The Ancient Art of The Samurai May be Just What a New Generation Needs

A new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation refers to the current younger generation as Generation M, which stands for media. They have found that the youth of today are spending increased time with new media such as the Internet, and video games.

The report also shows that Gen M also consumes multiple media simultaneously. The below 18 year olds may watch TV, read email, and chat simultaneously. The drawback to this multitasking may be a decrease in already shrinking attention spans. Kids may have a more difficult time focusing on tasks which require significant depth.

The benefits of martial arts training for children are numerous. Many psycho-social studies have shown martial arts training for kids may: lead to lower incidences of violence, create happier more easygoing demeanor, lessen anger and mood disturbances, increase self confidence. Studies also show that children who participate in martial arts have better behavior and higher test scores in school.

The martial arts offer children an opportunity to intensely focus on a single skill at a time. With instruction by a teacher who acts as a good role-model, students begin to emulate courteous, respectful, and mindful behavior.

Jujutsu is the ancient martial art of the samurai warriors of Japan. In antiquity it was only studied by the elite, educated members of Japanese society. Its study is therefore more intellectually intense, and involves less brute-force than many other martial arts. Jujutsu relies on principles of physics such as inertia, leverage, and momentum which present challenges that foster mental growth.

Students of jujutsu also develop a greater kinesthetic sense. The physical benefits of practice include those of regular exercise plus increased balance, reduced stress, and greater self-awareness.

Jujutsu, like other arts, always begins and ends with courtesy. Students exhibit proper etiquette at al times and respect that the techniques they are practicing can cause injury to others. For many students, the practice helps develop a sense of responsibility.

In stark contrast to the fast passed media-rich life of today’s 8-18 year-olds, jujutsu offers children an opportunity to spend time simply yet intensely focused. The benefits of practice are many, and it just may be a prescription for the technologically short attention spans.