Martial arts have become a method of promoting positive physical and psychosocial outcomes for millions worldwide (Woodward, 2009). While popular in many countries, the Olympic sport of Kodokan Judo has seen limited scientific examination in academic research (Paset et al., 2013). The goals of this study were to evaluate potential benefits of completing a beginner collegiate judo course, critically examine student perceptions of instructional methods and practice structure, and determine the extent to which students were able to acquire basic techniques.

In a pretest-posttest design, students (n = 18) were surveyed about intrinsic characteristics and perceptions of instruction and evaluated on acquired skills.

Results indicated a significant increase in self-perceptions of knowledge (p < .001) and interest (p = .028) in judo along with athletic ability (p = .034) and fitness (p = .003). Instructional strategies included verbal explanations and physical demonstrations, and a blocked practice style was utilized in conjunction with reinforcing and corrective feedback. Skills testing revealed that students scored an average of 71% on the posttest, suggesting substantial progress over the 16-week period.

These findings substantiate claims that physical education activity courses can be effective at increasing essential sport skills along with a proclivity for future participation.