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.