TITLE:
The Influence of Martial Arts Training on Academic Performance and Student Success: A Review of the Literature
AUTHORS:
Latifa Rahman
KEYWORDS:
Martial Arts, Physical Fitness, Academic Performance, Student Success
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Physical Education,
Vol.16 No.3,
July
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: This literature review examines the effects of martial arts training on academic performance and student success. Existing research indicates that students participating in martial arts frequently achieve superior outcomes in core subjects such as mathematics and linguistics, which is attributed to improved cognitive processing and self-regulation. (Gordon, 2023) The primary objective of studies in this area is to evaluate how structured martial arts training, including Karate, Taekwondo, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), fosters self-discipline, responsibility, and a proactive approach to challenges, thereby influencing academic achievement, executive cognitive functions, and overall physical fitness (Pinto-Escalona et al., 2024). Significant improvements have been reported in cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. (Stamenković et al., 2022)