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International Journal of Martial Arts - Vol. 5
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International Journal of Martial Arts - Vol. 5, pp. 62-75
Abbreviation: injoma
ISSN: 2287-8599 (Online)
Online publication date 27 Nov 2019
Received 10 Aug 2019 Accepted 30 Oct 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51222/injoma.2019.12.5.62

A review of the benefits and risks associated with the practice of martial arts
Baldwin, H.R.a
aAssistant Chief Instructor, Bushido Martial Arts, Welkin Mill Dojo, Stockport, SK6 2BH, United Kingdom

Abstract

Martial arts are becoming an increasingly popular sport for children, adolescents and adults. It is estimated that around 1% of the UK population (roughly 650,000 people) currently practise martial arts and the industry is continually growing. The benefits of martial arts are extensive and include reduced levels of anxiety, aggression, hostility and neuroticism, as well as improved levels of self confidence, self reliance, self esteem and independence, alongside numerous health benefits associated with physical training. As with other sports, there are injury risks associated with martial arts, the most common being contusions (bruises), sprains, strains and abrasions. Experience, belt rank and training hours per week were directly correlated with increased injury risk in both children and adults and karate appeared to carry a lower risk of injury than other martial arts such as aikido, taekwondo, judo or jujitsu. However, the overall injury rate for combat sports such as martial arts is reportedly lower than the injury rate for other popular non-contact sports such as football and hockey.

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