ABSTRACT
This article assesses current discussions and research around the considerations of martial arts practice for older participants. This has been undertaken, as there appears to be several articles that determine there are some benefits, however this is mostly in the area of Tai Chi and its use to improve the overall wellness or well-being of elderly participants. What the article then proposes is that research in harder martial arts, as they are termed, may also be of benefit. This is due to a small amount of research in slightly older participants mid to late-thirties who find that there are a wide range of benefits above that of usual physical interventions. Using hard martial arts as an intervention or researching benefits for older participants, plus fifty five, it is thought, may prove to be a positive thing as martial arts are perceived to have wide ranging benefits for those who participate.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Charles Spring is a Senior Lecturer in spa and wellness management programmes at the University of Derby at the University’s Buxton campus. His research has recently been focused in the area of wellness around the area of physical activity and especially using interventions with people with varying degrees of ability. Current lecturing duties in spa and wellness management include specialisms in management areas around business development and entrepreneurship and contemporary issues within the discipline area. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.