Sport Karate and the Pursuit of Wellness: A Participant Observation Study of a dojo in Scotland

Abstract

Health problems in society are numerous, not least stress and stress-related illness. Physical activities, including martial arts, are increasingly viewed as a means of managing such risks to health. While there are forms of karate that have a philosophical and meditative character that is related to spiritual wellness, karate as a competitive sport is less likely to be thought of in this light. The purpose of this paper is to present through a participant observation study the representations that karateka of the dojo, make of sportive karate as a resource to achieve wellness. Drawing on an eight months' immersion in the dojo, we identify five themes that express these karateka's views of sport karate and wellness, the importance of fitness, beauty in punches and kicks, how to embrace fear, the aggressive attitude as a posture in life, and the superiority given by control. The findings lead us to reflect on the need for further research to see if they are repeated in other martial arts, and if many more groups find wellness as a primary motivation for their participation.

Effectiveness of Karate in Oncology Patients

“…Benefits include physical and psychological aspects, including reducing negative emotional reactions, improving balance, and improving cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness. [10][11][12] However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of karate in cancer patients after therapy on QoL and on other outcomes related to cancer disease. To date, this is the first quasi-experimental study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of karate in improving QoL (primary outcome), anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and multidimensional psychosomatic symptoms (secondary outcomes) in oncology patients.…”

“…Karate represents a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been shown to offer a variety of physical and psychological benefits, in addition to possessing a rich history and a rooted tradition. Benefits include physical and psychological aspects, including reducing negative emotional reactions, improving balance, and improving cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness 10-12. However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of karate in cancer patients after therapy on QoL and on other outcomes related to cancer disease.…”

Wellness Perceptions of Female and Male Athletes Playing in Different Volleyball Leagues

“…Social culture and beliefs differ according to the structure of the individual and the sport he/she does (Roychowdhury, 2019). It has been reported that the athletes involved in team sports are strengthened spiritually by establishing a deep sense of bond with their teams, and the sense of habit and beliefs created by sports contribute positively to the mental health of the athletes (Bopp et al, 2021;Turelli, Tejero-González, Vaz and Kirk, 2020). Some team athletes have some beliefs such as wearing the same jersey they won matches, kissing or hitting the ball to the floor several times before serving, etc.…”