The experience of women in the martial arts : a phenomenological investigation

The purpose of this study was to examine women's experiences of participating in the martial arts. A phenomenological research approach consisting of a semi-structured, in-depth interview format was used to meet the intended. Interviews were conducted with five female expert (black belt ranked and higher) martial artists from four different martial arts. An analysis of the interview data identified three major themes: (a) Training in the martial arts, (b) Training as it applied to life outside the dojo, and (c) Self-development through the martial arts. The results of the study also revealed reciprocal relationships between martial arts training and life outside the dojo.