“How do you like me now?” has become my motto thanks to the opportunity to participate in martial arts training. It wasn’t an easy path. I had to overcome many obstacles like so many young people today face. One of my challenges was being bullied as a young child resulting in lower self esteem and lack of self-confidence. In this article, I will address the importance of getting young people involved in martial arts and how SETVR XL can help!

SETVR XL is a virtual reality (VR) app now available for martial arts practice. There are many features to it, some for sparring and others for relaxation and knowledge. Users can learn martial arts skills at their martial arts schools, through repetition and real life combat situations, and thanks to SetVR XL people can train at any time and location. This eliminates the barrier of not always having a partner readily available.

A little bit of my history:

Growing up bullied is a serious threat to a young person's safety and well-being. Bullying is about being controlled and leads to decreased self-esteem.  Martial arts helped me gain the confidence to overcome the negative impacts of being bullied and I became a role model for many  people of all ages. Students of Martial Arts training gain discipline, perseverance, toughness, and an increased self confidence. Martial Arts gives your mind and body a good workout.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five students between the ages of 12 and 18  ( approximately 19.2%), report being bullied. A higher portion of females than male students report being bullied.

The prevalence of social media has led to even more people bullied online. The Centers for Disease Control indicates that an estimated 16% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months before their 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey. Studies have also suggested that teenagers spend an average of 7-8 hours daily on screen time.  

After being promoted to Green Belt under Sensei Bill McDonald, I was anxious to start training for my brown belt. Sensei McDonald informed me that I would have to start teaching the incoming new students. We were a Dojo at East Carolina University. So I immediately thought no problem, I’ll be teaching a group in my age range.Needless to say when I walked into the Dojo and my Sensei was standing there with five little boys, ages 3 to 5 years old, the challenge had begun.

Growing up an only child, my interactions with kids was reserved to a couple of cousins. I told my Sensei I didn’t know where to begin. His response when he walked away, “figure it out.” I was facing the biggest challenge of my Martial Arts training!  I soon learnt that a child is not a miniature adult. Their physical and mental abilities are not the same. Attention span and stamina take time to develop. The energy level just wasn’t good. It was my fault! After much soul searching, I realized it was time to do something about that energy level! So it was time to make the classes a disciplined fun. That began with me spending some one on one time with each student. Learning who that person was and who wanted to study karate. I began mixing the training with games, talk sessions, show and tell methods, demonstrations and exercises that appeal to the interest, development and needs of each individual child. Working with a partner they could practice a block and a punch. With more practice, the fluidness and speed began to improve. I was able to provide personalized  training according to  each individual’s  needs, something  that virtual reality does not address.  

That is why I believe that beginning students may benefit from actual training. Students can gain as much from conversation as they can from the training itself. I was given encouragement which led to more self-confidence and increased self-esteem. I persevered in a sport that was dominated by males.

However, we are in a changing world. Studies have suggested that teenagers and adults spend an average of 7-8 hours daily on screen time and most  are becoming more comfortable with technology. The SETVR XL app can be used at the convenience of the trainee and can help enhance their skills outside of the Dojo.  

Also, you must remember that virtual reality doesn't take the place of your Sensei because it is not meant to.What this app does is it allows you to practice your combative skills in the privacy of your own home, at your convenience, without battling traffic, and regardless of the weather!  

[One more thing: because of its unique ability to allow you to spar with real people in its multi-player mode,  you will appreciate being able to connect with others who share your interest in martial arts. It is a good practice as well as a somewhat social medium, which is a plus for many people today.]

Yours in the spirit of Martial Arts,  

Vikki Morrow.