Stephen Covey wrote that a huge difference between humans and animals is that between stimulus and response, we have the freedom to choose. Self-control is when we exercise that freedom.
Many people think of self-control as physical and mental. When we look closely, all self-control is mental because our thoughts and decisions drive our actions.
Impulse control is an important part of this. Children often act on a thought before considering consequences, and adults can struggle with the same habit in different ways.
Martial arts gives students repeated practice pausing, listening, choosing, and acting with purpose.