In today’s tech-driven world, it’s almost impossible to avoid screens. Tablets, laptops, and smartphones dominate every aspect of life, from education to entertainment. But recent research highlighted in The Hechinger Report raises an important question: Are screens the best tools for learning? Neuroscience suggests they might not be.
Studies show that students, particularly children, comprehend material better when reading on paper versus screens. The reasons are rooted in how our brains process information. For instance, researchers found that reading on paper leads to better attention and concentration, with higher levels of brain activity associated with focus and working memory. On the other hand, screens seem to invite distraction, with lower levels of attention-related brainwaves and higher instances of mind-wandering.
This insight is crucial for parents and educators. While screens can’t be avoided entirely, it’s clear that reducing screen time and incorporating more traditional learning methods—like reading from books—can significantly benefit children’s cognitive development.
At Dragon Gym, this principle connects directly to our mission of developing happier, healthier, and more successful kids. In our children’s martial arts programs, we focus on fostering the skills that screens can often hinder: discipline, focus, and engagement with the real world.
Why Reducing Screen Time Matters
Children today are growing up in a digital-first world. Many spend hours glued to devices, whether for schoolwork, gaming, or entertainment. While screens are necessary tools, they often come with downsides: decreased attention spans, overstimulation, and reduced opportunities for physical activity and face-to-face interaction.
This is where activities like martial arts play a transformative role. When children step onto the mat at Dragon Gym, they step away from their screens and into a world of active learning. Our classes provide a unique environment that reinforces focus and discipline in a way that complements what neuroscientists are discovering about how the brain learns best.
How Martial Arts Reinforces Focus and Reduces Screen Dependence
Martial arts is a hands-on, immersive activity. Every movement, technique, and interaction with an instructor or peer requires full engagement. There’s no “pause” button or screen to distract—it’s just your child, their training partners, and the task at hand. Here are a few ways our martial arts programs reduce the effects of screen dependency while building essential skills for success:
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Building Attention and Focus: Neuroscience shows that reading on paper stimulates areas of the brain responsible for attention. Similarly, martial arts training requires children to focus on precise movements, memorize sequences, and stay present in the moment. Whether it’s practicing a Taekwondo form or mastering a new Muay Thai combination, students learn to stay engaged without distraction.
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Strengthening Working Memory: Just as paper reading enhances working memory, martial arts helps children develop the ability to retain and apply information. For example, a child learning a series of self-defense moves must remember the sequence and apply it dynamically during practice.
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Developing Discipline and Patience: Martial arts is about consistent effort over time, which contrasts sharply with the instant gratification of screen-based activities. Kids learn that improvement takes focus and persistence—valuable lessons that carry over into their academics and personal lives.
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Encouraging Physical and Mental Wellness: Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary habits, overstimulation, and even mental health issues. Martial arts provides a physically active, screen-free environment where children can release energy, build confidence, and improve their overall well-being.
The Dragon Gym Difference
At Dragon Gym, our children’s programs are carefully designed to build focus, discipline, and confidence in a fun, engaging environment. We incorporate elements of Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, blending traditional martial arts techniques with modern teaching methods.
For example:
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Class Structure: Each class starts with a focused warm-up, transitions to skill-building drills, and ends with goal-oriented practice. This structure reinforces the importance of attention and engagement, without the distractions of screens.
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Progressive Challenges: Just as reading paper books builds deeper understanding, progressively challenging martial arts drills build cognitive and physical skills. Students grow step-by-step, mastering techniques and earning belts as they advance.
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Real-Life Social Interaction: Unlike screen-based interactions, our classes foster real-world relationships. Kids collaborate with peers, learn respect through direct communication, and form friendships that enhance their social skills.
A Call to Action for Parents
As parents, it’s up to us to balance the digital and physical worlds for our children. Science shows that reducing screen time benefits their brains, but what can we replace it with? Martial arts offers the perfect alternative: a fun, engaging, and challenging activity that keeps kids active, focused, and disciplined.
If you’re concerned about the impact of screens on your child, consider enrolling them in our 3-Class Quick Start Confidence Course at Dragon Gym. It’s the perfect way to introduce them to the world of martial arts, where they can build confidence, develop focus, and take a much-needed break from screens. To learn more about how to protect your child’s focus and well-being, check out our blog post, “Turn It Off, Take It Away: It Could Save Your Kid’s Life.”
Let’s give our kids the tools to succeed—both on and off the mat. If you’re ready to help your child focus better, stay active, and reduce their screen time, join us at Dragon Gym. Together, we’ll set them on a path to lifelong success.
