ARTS IN SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Abstract

The study aimed to highlight the benefits of implementing MMA in Physical Education at Schools. This is a narrative review of the literature, of a descriptive and exploratory nature, based on the analysis of articles published between 2018 and 2024. The search was conducted on Google Scholar, using keywords, resulting in 394 studies, of which 14 were selected for detailed analysis. The results indicate that the inclusion of MMA in the school environment provides improvements in motor progression, postural stability, and body resistance, in addition to encouraging healthy habits and reducing physical inactivity. In the behavioral sphere, the practice of martial arts contributes to the development of self-discipline, emotional control, resilience and interpersonal respect, fundamental aspects for the school environment. However, the need for teacher training for the safe and pedagogical implementation of MMA is highlighted, ensuring its adaptation to the educational context. It is concluded that, when planned and supervised, martial arts can be strategic allies in the physical, cognitive, and social development of students, promoting a more complete education.