The Experiences of Adolescents Who Participated in Martial Arts

Martial arts have long been used to help peopte develop the skills needed in order to protect themselves from bullies, assailants, and any type of danger that they encounter. Many students have positive outcomes related to their experience in practicing martial arts: exhibiting emotionally stable behavior, demonstrating respect to adults and their peers, and achieving a high level of confidence. Through qualitative methods, this research investigated the experiences of adolescents who participate in martial arts. The participants whose ages ranged between ages eleven and fifteen were interviewed. Four themes had emerged frorn the interview data: (a) personal interest and dedication to martial arts, (b) developing and supporting relationships, (c) accruing personal development related to martial arts training and (d) preferred learning sfyle and individual-based activities. The findings indicated numerous positive benefits for adolescents who participated in martial arts