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Some the scientific research that has been conducted on martial art related subjects

Selected personality traits, mood states, and pain tolerance in Taekwondo

P. McCarthy
2006, Indiana University

Within recreational activity, sports competition, and daily life, the ability to cope with pain has an effect on performance. While research studies have investigated several aspects of pain tolerance in athletes, few have focused on any connection between psychological variables and the ability to withstand pain.

The goal of this study was to explore the differences in pain tolerance between participants with differing psychological profiles. 17 members of Indiana University Taekwondo club and/or an academic Taekwondo class, eight females and nine males, were tested on a physical pain test similar to the "horse stance" used in many martial arts.

Conclusions. Major findings indicated that those participants with a higher mental disturbance reached their pain tolerance in less time than those with more desirable mental health profiles. Participants who would be described as being more extroverted also took less time to reach their pain tolerance level on the physical pain test.

Performance Enhancement in the Martial Arts:  A Review

M. Frank, Ph.D.
 
This paper presents a literature review of recent studies that looked into the effects of martial arts training on physical wellbeing

Conclusions. The general literature has clearly shown the effectiveness of psychological skills training to enhance performance in sports. Although martial arts is a specialized area, there is a sufficient research base to conclude that sports psychology can assist martial artists with achieving peak performance in both katas and sparring. = In particular, skills training can aid with regulating intensity in the martial arts as well as improving the physical skills required to be competitive.

This literature review indicates that important skills to teach in order to enhance performance in the martial arts include: concentration and focused attention, confidence, relaxation, regulation of intensity level, and controlling anxiety, visual search strategies, and self-talk.

A number of methods of been shown to be beneficial to teach these skills. Initially, a needs assessment can determine for each athlete how to individually focus psychological skills training. Cognitive restructuring can help manage intensity level, improve concentration, and build confidence. Focused breathing, muscle relaxation and awareness, and meditation can be used to regulate anxiety, or intensity level. Visuo-motor behavior rehearsal has been effective for improving physical performance of martial arts skills. Also, it is generally recommended to keep self-talk logs, a daily event diary, and to develop a written competition plan.

The recommended structure for psychological skills training is 15-30 minutes several times a week throughout physical training. An individualized program that teaches the participants skills that they can incorporate into a personal plan is most effective.

A comparative study if the effects of martial arts training on mood

A. Yiannakis and P. Thomporowski
Paper presented at 2003 International Conference on Education

Numerous studies have shown that exercise has a beneficial effect on the reduction of stress, enhancement of mood, and lessoning of depression. Martial art proponents have long claimed that the martial arts yield similar results, but is this true.

This study found that the martial arts, specifically Judo, jiujutsu, and karate, are beneficial in these respects. The study speculated that the results may have been because of the interaction of self-selection and the arts themselves, the teachings, the philosophy and structure of each art, the intensity and type of the work out, and the degree to which each martial art stresses a sporting or combative orientation.

Conclusions. The martial arts empower participants and supply an array of psychological and physical tools to enable them to stand one’s ground, manage conflict, help people in need, and retain a degree of control over their lives.

The physical and psychological benefits if martial arts training for individuals with disabilities

R. Martin
A 2002 graduate research paper for the University of Wisconsin-Stout

This study sought to determine the physical and emotional benefits of martial arts training for persons with disabilities. The study used the results of questionnaires presented to disabled martial art participants.

Conclusions. Results suggested that martial art training does help improve physical functioning, especially in the area of increased strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, they increase the sense of wellbeing and offer an overall improvement in quality of life.

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