Citation

Angleman AJ, Shinzato Y, Hasselt VBV, Russo SA. Aggress. Violent Behav. 2009; 14(2): 89-93.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.avb.2008.12.001

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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.