(being able to fight), philosophical/moral instruction, the proportion of "hard" and "soft" techniques, physical exertion, attainment of rank/status, successful application of techniques in the school, developed friendships with other classmates and any other number of factors. Additionally, the benefit may not be derived from any single factor, but through a unique combination of factors that only martial arts provides. At least one study has shown that compared to students in a sport-specific program, a general fitness program, and a control group, students of a martial arts program derived superior improvement in POMS scores compared to the other three groups. Perspectives Martial arts therapy is a concept still in development. Researchers have yet to conclusively identify the specific features of martial arts that foster a physical or psychosocial benefit. Some have theorized (see Israeli study cited above) that an important feature is the dyadic interplay between students in most arts; the cooperation and response to feedback in practicing techniques such as throws or strikes may have a carryover to cooperation in real-life settings. However, even if all features are conclusively discovered within a specific art or system, there remains the issue of to what extent the instructors within that art/system provide those features to their students. See also Social isolation Kalaripayattu Martial arts psychotherapy and participation in the martial arts has also been suggested that it enhances emotional control, cognitive changes and psychosocial developments (Overchuk 2002) Further reading Psychosocial Benefits of Martial arts: Myth or Reality? By Brad Binder, Ph.D (1999) Waboku Jujitsu web site An extensive listing of studies that are related to "Sports, Exercise, and Mood", including martial arts: (see Sheet #'s 6, 28, and 43) E. Overchuk (2006) Martial arts psychology: A Journey in personal growth and development. National Institute of martial arts and sciences Martial arts culture Therapy