Microsoft Word Training the body and mind Examining psychological correlates of Taekwondo docx

Perceptions of Taekwondo Training 
Understanding the underlying motives and perceived benefits of Taekwondo training may 
provide insight into its effects on wellbeing. Perhaps in addition to improvements in wellbeing 
associated more generally with exercise, Taekwondo training offers distinct mental health 
benefits as a result of its heavy emphasis on character development.
Indeed, qualitative studies have demonstrated that martial arts training is conceptualized 
as a means for psychological growth and development (Columbus & Rice, 1998), self-
improvement (Konzak & Boudreau, 1984), better understanding oneself, and as a mechanism 
for coping with difficult life transitions (Columbus & Rice, 1998). Practitioners have reported 
improvements in areas of respect, self-confidence, moral development, spirit and energy (i.e., 
not giving up in the face of adversity) in either themselves or their children who were involved 
in martial arts training (Lantz, 2002).
However, no study has explored underlying motivations or perceived training benefits of 
Taekwondo students exclusively. Although a few studies (Columbus & Rice, 1998; Lantz, 
2002) have included Taekwondo students, only one study (Ko & Kim, 2010) explored 
differences between martial arts disciplines using a survey design. The present study aims to 
extend the literature on martial artists’ motivation and perceived benefits of training through 
the utilization of an open-ended design in a sample of Taekwondo students exclusively. 
The Present Study 
Taken together, results from previous empirical studies along with theoretical work 
suggest that Taekwondo may have positive impacts on psychological health and wellbeing.
However, Taekwondo remains an understudied sport. In taking a step towards filling this gap 
in the literature, the present study seeks to examine the associations between Taekwondo 
experience and wellbeing, focusing on several variables that have been previously explored 
within various other samples. 
Firstly, it is hypothesized that greater amounts of Taekwondo experience (as measured by 
the length of months or years spent training in Taekwondo) will be positively associated with 
higher levels of self-esteem and more positive body image perceptions. Secondly, we 
hypothesize that more Taekwondo experience will be positively correlated with overall 
physical and mental health ratings, and with a stronger belief that Taekwondo is influential on 
physical and mental health.
Finally, this study aims to obtain insight into practitioners’ motivations for Taekwondo 
participation in an attempt to better understand whether the values central to traditional 
Taekwondo are embodied in modern day practice. This may provide a deeper understanding of 
the mechanisms through which Taekwondo practice is related to health and wellbeing. 
II. Method 

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International Journal of Martial Arts