To date, martial arts involvement is often described in controversial terms. While some studies report increased anti-social behavior as a result of martial arts involvement, other findings refer to a more positive social and personal development. This paradox has resulted in an ambiguous public...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the processes that produce the effects found in studies of participation by young people in martial arts. Design/methodology/approach – A review of published studies. Findings – Studies of the developmental outcomes of young...