Martial Arts in Schools: A Powerful Confidence Boost
"Mouroum, star of 'Let's Dance', advocates for martial arts integration in school curriculum"
New York City — Television personality and Hollywood stuntwoman Marie Mouroum, known for her appearances on RTL's dance show "Let's Dance," is advocating for martial arts to become a permanent fixture in German schools.
"Imagine martial arts integrated as a fundamental sport in schools, like track and field or gymnastics," Mouroum, a 32-year-old Berliner, enthusiastically shared with the German Press Agency. "In many Eastern European countries, it's already part of the basics."
According to Mouroum, the benefits are not just physical; they extend to psychological and emotional well-being, particularly for girls. "Girls often lack self-confidence compared to boys. Learning a martial art should be recommended for both genders, but for girls, it's especially crucial."
A Confidence-Boosting Experience
Mouroum believes mastering a martial art helps bolster self-confidence in girls. "It's essential for girls to recognize their strength, to understand they can protect themselves, and that they can pack a powerful punch when necessary. It markedly impacts self-confidence, making girls walk through the world a bit stronger and radiating strength as they navigate life."
Discipline is another significant aspect of martial arts, Mouroum points out. "Martial arts foster a great deal of respect and self-control. One learns not to apply fighting skills outside the sport, which is also an important lesson."
Mixed Martial Arts Event and Comeback Fight
On Saturday, June 28, Marie Mouroum will work as a backstage reporter for RTL+ at the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event "Oktagon 73" in Hamburg. The audience will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look. "Oktagon 73" starts at 5:30 PM on RTL+, with Germany's best-known MMA star, Christian Eckerlin, making his comeback after eight months off in the main fight.
The Thrill of Stunts: A Career Highlight
Mouroum has been in the stunt business since she was 18. From doubling Queen Latifah in "The Equalizer" to Bond girl Lashana Lynch in "James Bond 007: No Time to Die," her experiences are nothing short of exhilarating.
One of her most daring stunts occurred during the spy film. "I was flying through the air from one building to another, portraying a kidnapped scientist in Cuba," she recalls. "It feels as if you're free falling. Just before hitting the ground, the rope saves you. That's a moment where you question if the rope will catch you in the nick of time!"
While the benefits of teaching martial arts in schools are manifold, incorporating them into school curricula has yet to be widely adopted. With advocates like Mouroum, the conversation around this potential addition to schools flourishes, aiming to provide students with tools for physical fitness, discipline, self-confidence, and self-defense.
"Perhaps, one day, mixed-martial-arts can join sports like track and field and gymnastics as a regular offering in schools, helping to foster discipline, self-confidence, and a greater sense of personal strength among students, much like Marie Mouroum advocates."
"As Marie Mouroum's career in stunts demonstrates, mastering mixed-martial-arts has the potential to be a life-changing experience, not only offering physical prowess but also boosting confidence and instilling important values such as respect and self-control, qualities that can extend far beyond the arena."
