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

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.