In the United Kingdom there is an unregulated martial arts 'industry'. The aim of this study was to examine whether this 'industry' required professionalisation through the rationalisation of qualifications for teaching, instructing or coaching practice. Currently, the martial arts consist of a very disparate set of organisations which have what, at best, could be called a varied range of professional standards across teaching, instructing and coaching. Professionalism struggles with the lassaiz-faire approach to qualifications and this creates differing expectations of the teachers, coaches and instructors within the organisations Viewpoints differ as to whether the individuals need more standards and qualifications. The study of a sample of expert views found that there is some recognition within the martial arts 'industry' that there needs a change in approach to tighten up the processes of determining who can and cannot coach, instruct or teach martial arts. Points of views expressed by the interviewees were: that standards and qualification should be demanding; that there is a need for a professional body and rationalised approach to qualifications but such general improvements must reflect the specific requirements of each particular art. Overall there was little optimism that professionalisation could be achieved. However, the desire for professionalisation was a significant finding. Recognising this, the recommendations from this study are set out in a 'Manifesto for Change' which aims to transform the current situation described by one expert as being one where 'the organisations are out for themselves and keep people separate from each other.' The essence of the manifesto concerns: the standardisation of teaching, coaching and instructing qualifications; the development of an overarching organisation to control the martial arts; recognition by other bodies outside of the martial arts of these standards.

Bone strength plays an important role in reducing fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a condition as a result of low bone strength and is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and loss of bone mass, leading to increased fracture risk (Osteoporosis Canada, 2009). Impact loading through exercise has been well established as an activity to maintain and improve bone health (Schwab & Klein, 2008), with high impact activities eliciting a larger response in bone adaptation over low impact activities (Daly, 2007; Guadalupe-Grau, Fuentes, Guerra & Calbet, 2009). The high impact loading of brick breaking within martial arts should be of sufficient magnitude to elicit bone adaptation. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to examine if the bones of the loaded arm among martial artists with brick breaking experience appear to have adapted to the high impact loading of brick breaking. In order to address this the specific objectives are (1) determine if brick breakers have a larger percent side-to-side difference over age and size matched controls in bone strength index (BSIc) at the 4% radius and 6% ulna, SSIp at the 65% ulna and 50% humerus, and grip strength. (2) Determine if the total number of lifetime brick breaks is correlated with percent side-to-side difference in strength strain index (SSIp), a measure of torsional strength, at the 50% humerus. (3) Confirm the load experienced during the brick break can be considered high impact (>4 X body weight). METHODS: Male brick breakers (N=13, mean age 31.1 (SD 10.5) yrs) and their age and size matched controls (N=13, mean age 31.7 (10.8) yrs) had measurements of SSIp on both arms mid-humeri using pQCT (Stratec XCT2000). Brick breaking history was obtained by questionnaire. SSIp between arms in both groups was assessed by dependant t-tests and percent side-to-side difference (bilateral asymmetry) iii between groups was assessed by independent t-test. Brick breaking force was assessed with 9 black belt participants performing a total of 13 brick break attempts by striking a standard stack of 8 patio blocks on a force platform. RESULTS: Dominant humerus SSIp was 7.7% (124 mm3, p<0.001) greater in brick breakers and 5.3% (96 mm3, p=0.023) greater in controls. Side-to-side differences did not differ between the groups (mean difference of 2.4%, p=0.333). Brick breaking history of total breaks was moderately correlated (r=0.73, p=0.002) with torsional bone strength side-to-side difference. Peak vertical forces ranged from 2075 N to 4496 N (mean: 2960 N). CONCLUSION: Brick breakers bone strength in the loaded arm seemed to have not adapted to high impact forces. However, the association between total number of breaks (impacts) and side-to-side strength difference suggests that a minimum number of loading sessions may be required before significant strength adaptation occurs. The forces experienced during a brick breaking strike approach forces that are considered high impact in lower body activities.

Bone strength plays an important role in reducing fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a condition as a result of low bone strength and is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and loss of bone mass, leading to increased fracture risk (Osteoporosis Canada, 2009). Impact loading through exercise has been well established as an activity to maintain and improve bone health (Schwab & Klein, 2008), with high impact activities eliciting a larger response in bone adaptation over low impact activities (Daly, 2007; Guadalupe-Grau, Fuentes, Guerra & Calbet, 2009). The high impact loading of brick breaking within martial arts should be of sufficient magnitude to elicit bone adaptation. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to examine if the bones of the loaded arm among martial artists with brick breaking experience appear to have adapted to the high impact loading of brick breaking. In order to address this the specific objectives are (1) determine if brick breakers have a larger percent side-to-side difference over age and size matched controls in bone strength index (BSIc) at the 4% radius and 6% ulna, SSIp at the 65% ulna and 50% humerus, and grip strength. (2) Determine if the total number of lifetime brick breaks is correlated with percent side-to-side difference in strength strain index (SSIp), a measure of torsional strength, at the 50% humerus. (3) Confirm the load experienced during the brick break can be considered high impact (>4 X body weight). METHODS: Male brick breakers (N=13, mean age 31.1 (SD 10.5) yrs) and their age and size matched controls (N=13, mean age 31.7 (10.8) yrs) had measurements of SSIp on both arms mid-humeri using pQCT (Stratec XCT2000). Brick breaking history was obtained by questionnaire. SSIp between arms in both groups was assessed by dependant t-tests and percent side-to-side difference (bilateral asymmetry) iii between groups was assessed by independent t-test. Brick breaking force was assessed with 9 black belt participants performing a total of 13 brick break attempts by striking a standard stack of 8 patio blocks on a force platform. RESULTS: Dominant humerus SSIp was 7.7% (124 mm3, p<0.001) greater in brick breakers and 5.3% (96 mm3, p=0.023) greater in controls. Side-to-side differences did not differ between the groups (mean difference of 2.4%, p=0.333). Brick breaking history of total breaks was moderately correlated (r=0.73, p=0.002) with torsional bone strength side-to-side difference. Peak vertical forces ranged from 2075 N to 4496 N (mean: 2960 N). CONCLUSION: Brick breakers bone strength in the loaded arm seemed to have not adapted to high impact forces. However, the association between total number of breaks (impacts) and side-to-side strength difference suggests that a minimum number of loading sessions may be required before significant strength adaptation occurs. The forces experienced during a brick breaking strike approach forces that are considered high impact in lower body activities.

Thesis (M. Psych. Sport & Ex.)--University of Queensland, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 158-160).

No description available.

Many of Japan’s aesthetic, philosophical and cultural institutions were originated in China and India. This nexus created the basis for national unification by and through the use of the kata (trnsl: form or shape). Equally important is the component that integrates artistry into the kata, and eventually, into the kata of Shotokan karate. This particular occurrence compliments the historically important idea known as kokoro (mind-body-spirit), a Zen term but often synonymous with artistry and the artistic mindset. Kokoro can be seen as the product of cumulative intersections in philosophical discourse, framing Japanese beliefs in all things that led to a complex, yet unified expression of art, as well as a foundation for the inner constitution of each individual practitioner in the martial arts. More importantly, it involves a methodology known as Zen/Budo, referring to the separate but integrated spiritual practices of Zen, as it relates to traditional Zen philosophies. The second part of the conjoined term is Budo, the abbreviated version of Bushido (the “way” of the warrior) that guides the participant to a personal refinement of character and a deeper understanding of self. The combined representation of Zen and Budo summarize a highly regarded protocol for self-assessment and self-development. Thus, the afore-mentioned postulates are presented as the basis of this work. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Thesis (M.A.)--The University of Regina (Canada), 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 204-209). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 204-209).