Peter, Columbus

Journal of Sport Behavior
Volume 21, Issue 1, pp. 16-29 (1998)

Recommended

This article tackles the questions, "What is the meaning of Martial Arts to certain people?" and "Why do they start it?" The goal of the author was to find this out by conducting an experimental study.

Martial arts have gained a great deal of popularity in North America. However, its meaning is still not clear. Previous research on Asian martial arts has shown that personality and motivational factors can influence a person's selection of the art. Typical reasons for starting the arts include self-defense, health and exercise, and discipline, all characterized as a form of self-help. However, why would these be reasons? The goal of the study was to clarify and explain some everyday life experiences influencing participation in the arts. Furthermore, the study wanted to know what kind of everyday life experience could possibly be of significance that martial arts is actually worth learning and knowing.

To begin the study, participants, whose skill in martial arts ranged from novice to advanced, were asked to "describe in writing your experience of an everyday life situation in which you realized that training in a martial art is, or would be, a worthwhile activity." Each participant's answer was analyzed, and four categories were identified for experiencing martial arts: criminal victimization, growth and discovery, life transition, and task performance.

The participants whose description fit into the criminal victimization category described a pressing concern with an actual or possible physical or sexual assault. The participants said they were practicing martial arts as a way to shield against injury or physical harm perpetrated by other people. To these people, martial arts were tools of safety and protection, and could be used in situations just described.

The participants whose description fit into the growth and discovery category described themselves in a situation where they wanted to challenge themselves and make a change in their life, such as overcoming fears. Martial arts provided these people a sense of understanding, and helped them to perfect themselves.

The participants whose description fit onto the life transition category said that at one point of their life they felt totally out-of-control, as there was a sudden shift in their life. Participants included situations such as a divorce and leaving home for college. They had a difficult time managing their life, and as a result, it seemed like chaos. For these particular people, martial arts provided strength for coping and a sense of control.

The participants in the final group, task performance, said that the skills they learned from martial arts helps them complete specific tasks in everyday life. The skills acquired from the arts helped them meet their goals.

The study presented in this article showed a relationship between participants' body, feelings, and outcome, and martial arts. Martial arts was a valuable skill that helped these people adapt to everyday life more smoothly.

Annotated by: Lola Ajayi (February 2007)

Martial Arts: Karate | Taekwondo | Taijiquan |

Topics: crime | self-defense | training/exercise science |