Participation motivation in martial artists

Participation motivation in martial artists in the west midlands region of England

G. Jones, K. Mackay, and D. Peters

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 5 (CSSI), 28 - 34

This study sought to identify the participation motivations and the perceived importance of certain participation factors in martial artists in the West Midlands, England, UK. A questionnaire was distributed to 30 martial arts clubs in the West Midlands region.

Conclusions. Results indicated that the rank order in terms of participation motives was: affiliation; friendship, fitness, reward/status, competition;, situational, and skill development. Participants who trained for more than 4 hours per week placed greater importance on the underpinning philosophy of the martial art. Findings suggest that while there is a gender discrepancy in participation level, once engaged, females were equally committed to weekly training. The 'style' of the instructor is of paramount importance for enhancing student motivation to participate. High volume practitioners would appear to be fully immersed in the holistic appreciation of the martial art through increased value placed on its underpinning philosophy.