Martial arts masters identify the essential components of training

Background: Martial Arts (MA) have been touted as a beneficial psycho-social exercise and have been used in a number of training programmes and interventions. However, proving MA effectiveness through empirical research is hindered by difficulties defining exactly what students experience during MA training. As such, there is a need to define the essential components of the student experience, and to measure and quantify the learning associated with MA training.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore what students are likely to experience during MA training. In particular, we give an insight into the thoughts and expectations of some of the MA most experienced practitioner-teachers. In identifying these facets of the student experience, future research may then be able to determine which facets are most effective in improving student self-regulation and wellbeing.

Design: Four martial arts instructors from a broad range of disciplines, and (each) with over 30 years of teaching experience, were interviewed to gain insights into the typical student experience of martial arts training.

Conclusions: Thematic analysis revealed ten components/ facets of the student experience of training. These components belonged to the three broader areas of physical experience, social expectations, and mindful training. These components if validated by future research may be used to form a quantitative survey measure of the MA student experience, and may ultimately allow researchers and practitioners to identify the more functional facets of MA training in relation to improving the student experience and students’ self-regulation skills.