Authors: Florentin Iuliu Vasilescu 1, Nicoleta Leonte 2, Cecilia Liliana Ionescu 3, Mariana Mezei 2
Affiliation
1 Sports Club no 5, Bucharest, Romania
2 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Romania
3 Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
Background. This paper explores the impact of martial arts practice on the development of psycho-behavioral qualities in young athletes, with a particular focus on the educational and formative role of these practices.
Aims. Based on the principles of modern pedagogy applied in the sports context, the study analyzes how specific martial arts disciplines, such as; judo, karate, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing, contribute to shaping character, self-control, responsibility, perseverance, and mutual respect.
Methods. The research involved a sample of 50 junior athletes, aged between 12 and 16, registered with three martial arts clubs in Bucharest: Sports Club No 5, Brave Combat Sports Club, and Combatant Sports Club. To assess the psycho-behavioral dimension, a qualitative instrument was employed in the form of a standardized observation sheet, filled in by the coaches during the training process.
Results. The summarized results confirm the formative value of these practices and suggest directions for integrating principles of moral and civic education into sports training.
Conclusions. The study highlights that martial arts go beyond physical training or competitive performance, offering a conductive framework for the integrated development of young practitioners’ personalities. The paper discusses aspects related to the influence of coaching style, the coach-athlete relationship, mechanisms for developing prosocial attitudes, and the educational context in which training takes place.
Keywords: martial arts, psycho-behavioral development, young athletes, education through sport, discipline, self-control, attitude formation, coach-athlete relationship.
Martial arts training as a framework for consolidating psycho-behavioral qualities in young athletes
