Music while training

In the past, martial arts training was accompanied by drummers or other live music to set the pace and maintain enthusiasm. Now, new technology makes it easy to have any type of music playing during training sessions. Instructors should look into using music to stimulate students and maintain their interest in class.

In their 1994 study, Effects of positive and negative music on performance of a karate drill, Ferguson, Carbonneau, and Chambliss studied the effects of music on performance of katas by karate students with one to 18 years of experience. Experienced observers evaluated performance during each condition of positive music, negative music, and white noise provided on headsets for each performer. Overall, both negative music and positive music increased performance ratings over white noise; in addition, the subjects reported greater relaxation and comfort with the music.