Faculty Articles

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

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Publication Title

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Volume

14

Issue/Number

2

First Page

89

ISSN

1359-1789

Last Page

93

Abstract/Excerpt

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

Peer Reviewed

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