Social-psychological outcomes of martial arts practice among children.

Introduction
To date, little is known about the way children experience the involvement in martial arts. It is interesting to note that research findings regarding the effect of martial arts on young participants are contradictory. While some studies reported an increase of antisocial behaviour among young martial artists (e.g. Delva-Tauiliili, 1995; Reynes & Lorant, 2002), others described positive social-psychological effects (e.g., an increased self-care and self-awareness: Wall, 2005; a higher level of self-regulation: Lakes & Hoyt, 2004; a decreased violence: Zivin et al., 2001; ...).
However, as indicated by Shields and Bredemeier (1995), it is often too difficult to make general statements with regard to the socio-psychological effects of sports participation without taking some influential factors into account.
The present study will focus on the influence of the structural qualities of the sport itself, the participants' characteristics, type of guidance and the social contex while analysing the experiences of young martial artists.

Methods

The aim of the present study, which is part of a larger research on children's martial arts involvement, was to analyse the views and experiences of young martial artists and compare the results between three different martial arts (judo, aikido and kick- /thaiboxing). Ninety children between the age of 8 and 13 years, as well as their parents and trainers, were interviewed in-depth about children's social background and participation motives, as well as the characteristics of the specific martial art, the aim and the approach used by the trainer were taken into account.

Discussion

In general, findings seem to support the relationship between martial arts practice and positive socio-psychological responses.
However, it is concluded that several factors need to be taken into consideration when trying to determine the social-psychological outcomes of martial arts practice among children.

References

Delva-Tauiliili, J. (1995). Does brief Aikido training reduce aggression of youth? Perceptual and Motor Skills. 80(1), 297-298.
Lakes, K.D., & Hoyt, W.T. (2004). Promoting self-regulation through school-based martial arts training. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 25(3), 283-302.
Reynes, E., & Lorant, J. (2002). Effect of traditional judo training on aggressiveness among young boys. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 94(1), 21-25.
Shields, D.L.L., & Bredemeier, B.J.L. (1995). Character development and physical activity. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Wall, R.B. (2005). Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction in a Boston public middle school. Journal of Pediatric Heath Care, 19(4), 230-237.
Zivin, G., et al. (2001). An effective approach to violence prevention: Traditional martial arts in middle school. Adolescence, 36, 443-459.