Traditional Martial Arts versus Modern Self-Defense Training for Women: Some Comments

Author(s)

Amy J. Angleman, Nova Southeastern University
Yoshihiko Shinzato, Shinjinbukan Shorin Ryu Karate
Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Stephen A. Russo, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Aggression and Violent Behavior

ISSN

1359-1789

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Abstract

Most research conducted on women's self-protection strategies has focused on modern self-defense training, as opposed to traditional martial arts instruction. Further, traditional martial arts’ training has been characterized by many as less useful for women than modern self-defense instruction. However, no investigations have compared the effectiveness of these two approaches. Several misconceptions concerning traditional martial arts may explain why this form of self-protection has not been utilized as often, or evaluated as frequently, as other methods. This paper: (1) distinguishes traditional martial arts from modern self-defense training, (2) reviews research that has assessed behavioral outcomes of self-defense training strategies, and (3) discusses factors that influence perceptions and efficacy of such programs. To assist in these efforts, we include the expertise and perspectives of an internationally-recognized grandmaster in the Okinawan martial art of Shorin Ryu Karate. Suggestions for directions that future research in this area might take are offered.

DOI

10.1016/j.avb.2008.12.001

Volume

14

Issue

2

First Page

89

Last Page

93

NSUWorks Citation

Angleman, A. J., Shinzato, Y., Van Hasselt, V. B., Russo, S. A. (2009). Traditional Martial Arts versus Modern Self-Defense Training for Women: Some Comments. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 14(2), 89-93.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/110