How Martial Arts Supports Brain Function --- Chief Instructor's Blog October 2024

 

Practicing martial arts can actually support and even boost our brain function.  The physical techniques we practice on a regular basis helped integrate the right and left hemispheres of our brain.  “The cooperation between our two brain hemispheres is essential for us to learn better, function more intelligently, and become proficient in anything.” [Ref. 1]

I will describe the various movements that forces both hemispheres of the brain to communicate which increases the use of those neural pathways which in turn improves our brain functions.  And note that some of the examples I list below could be in several categories.

1.      Cross-lateral Movements

Cross-lateral movements are working both sides of the body at the same time with alternating patterns.  Basic techniques in attack stance and side medium block are examples of cross-lateral movement.

2.      Crossing mid-line

Crossing the midline is any movement where a part of your body (i.e., hands, feet, arm, leg, etc.) crosses the mid-line of the body.  Basic cat stance, high block, low block, double knife hands across the body, augmented medium block, extended knife hand, hook punch, downward or upward ‘X’ block, crescent kick across the body, cross block are all examples of techniques we practice that cross the mid-line.  In fact, if you analyze Mepojan One, almost every technique crosses the mid-line.

3.      Asymmetrical or mismatched movements

Asymmetrical movements are when your limbs perform different movements at the same time.  “This could be the legs, or arms, or three limbs, or four limbs simultaneously moving differently in shape, motion and pace to the other.” [Ref. 2] Examples of this are combination medium block/ high block to side of the head, combination low block/medium block, knife hand high block/ knife hand strike, combination outward hammer fist / hook punch to name just a few.

4.      Variations

When combining something familiar with something not as familiar we are forcing the connection.  “The left brain is better with familiar movements, but the right brain is better with new things, so by combining familiar and new you are encouraging your hemispheres to cooperate.” [Ref. 1].  Mirroring hyung, different stances with different upper body techniques that are not the basics, altering the hyung with different combinations are all examples of variations.

Therefore, the more we practice martial arts, the more we are increasing the communication across our brain hemispheres which will improve our brain function.  “This increased communication has been linked to improvements in a wide range of cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and creativity.” [Ref. 3]

Regards,

Kelly

“Learning a technique is not the end in itself, it merely indicates where you need to start.” ~ Masaaki Hatsumi (1931 – present), founder of the Bujinkan Organization

 

References:

1.      https://sequencewiz.org/2014/08/13/integrating-right-and-left-brain/, accessed 9/2/12024

2.      Cross Lateral Movements in Tai Chi and Qigong Practice (earthbalance-taichi.com), accessed 9/21/24

3.      Cross-Lateral Exercises: The Science Behind their Brain Boosting Benefits (wyllowfranklin.ca), accessed 9/21/24