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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 19, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 12, 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
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24721735.2024.2374525
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/37158010
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24721735.2024.2374525