So Much More Than Kicking and Punching…
When most people think about martial arts, they picture the things that are easiest to see: kicks, punches, forms, breaking boards, earning belts and learning new techniques. Those skills are certainly part of what we teach at BAEPLEX—but there is so much more…
The most important learning actually happens between the skills.
It happens when a student learns to sit quietly and listen while someone else is speaking. When they stay focused even though something around them is distracting. When they wait patiently for their turn, encourage a classmate, respond respectfully to correction, or try again after something doesn’t go their way.
These moments may not earn applause, but they matter.
At BAEPLEX, we believe martial arts provides an opportunity to develop focus, confidence, self-control, perseverance, respect and personal responsibility alongside physical skills. Research gives support to this broader view. A randomized study involving 240 children ages 7–11 found that an introductory Taekwondo program showed benefits related to children’s self-regulation. See Reference Research reviews have also identified self-control, emotional regulation, self-concept and social development as important areas studied in connection with youth martial arts. Importantly, researchers note that these benefits aren’t automatic—the quality of instruction, educational goals and training environment matter. See Reference
That distinction is most important to us.
Our instructors aren’t simply trying to create students who can kick higher, punch harder or perform a better form. We want students to discover that they can listen when listening is difficult. Focus when distractions are everywhere. Keep trying when something is challenging. Show kindness when someone else needs encouragement. Have the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.
A student may eventually forget the exact combination they practiced on a Tuesday afternoon. However, the confidence to say, “I can do this,” the discipline to keep working, and the character to help someone else will stay with them far beyond the martial arts floor.
We call this concept “The Skills Between the Skills.”
At BAEPLEX it’s always been more than Kicking and Punching. What we are really doing is use martial arts education as a vehicle to help our students grow into the BEST version of themselves. We do that with the Skills between the Skills.
If you are interested i learning more about our programs and services, please feel free to:
CALL/TEXT: 757-784-7940
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit: 500 Bulifants Blvd, Williamsburg, Va 23188
Every Day Better & Better.