The impact of martial arts training on adolescents

This research predicted length of training in martial arts and level of dedication were related negatively to aggression, but positively to assertion, introspection, and respect. Also time training and dedication were expected to predict membership in a cluster defined by low aggression, and high assertion, introspection, and respect. The 90 practitioners (65 male, 25 female) ranged fix)m 12 to 30 years old, and started training as adolescents. Instructors agreed to distribute the survey to their students. Each of the traits were regressed on total time in training and dedication controlling for age and gender. A cluster analysis was performed providing three stable clusters including the predicted cluster. No significant relationships were found, but a trend showed the mean age of the participants in the harmony cluster were higher. Two major flaws were discussed: low quality of inventories and instructors teaching the same martial art with a less traditional focus.