Japanese martial arts (JMA) practice is an effective wellbeing strategy in post-COVID: a qualitative appraisal

Veasey, Christian Michael; Lieu, Jenai; Aledeh, Muhammad; Lawson, Alison; Kotera, Yasuhiro

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the experiences of Japanese martial arts (JMA) practitioners during the COVID-19 to understand how JMA impacted on their mental wellbeing. Using online semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, we explored the first-hand experiences of JMA practitioners in COVID-19 regarding their mental wellbeing. 12 practitioners were recruited through the researchers’ network. Two research questions were established, exploring the impact of COVID-19 on their wellbeing (RQ1), and how JMA helped their mental wellbeing (RQ2). Four themes were identified. Theme 1 “Little impact on JMA practitioners’ wellbeing (responding to RQ1)”; Theme 2 “JMA training as a coping mechanism (RQ2)”; Theme 3 “Self-mastery and self-development (RQ2)”, and Theme 4 “Self-reflection (RQ2)”. Our findings suggest JMA practitioners maintained good mental wellbeing during the stressful pandemic time. Mental wellbeing benefits of JMA may be summarised as “self-care”, as self-mastery, self-development, and self-reflection were reported by the participants. These benefits may lead to better coping. Longitudinal and mixed-method research is needed to better understand their experiences.

Citation

Veasey, C. M., Lieu, J., Aledeh, M., Lawson, A., & Kotera, Y. (2024). Japanese martial arts (JMA) practice is an effective wellbeing strategy in post-COVID: a qualitative appraisal. International Journal of Spa and Wellness, 7(3), 300-319. https://doi.org/10.1080/24721735.2024.2374525

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 19, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 12, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 16, 2024
• Journal: International Journal of Spa and Wellness
• Print ISSN: 2472-1735
• Electronic ISSN: 2472-1743
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 300-319
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24721735.2024.2374525
• Keywords: Japanese martial arts; self-development; self-mastery; self-reflection; wellbeing; health
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/37158010
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24721735.2024.2374525
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rspa20; Received: 2023-09-11; Accepted: 2024-06-19; Published: 2024-07-12