“Martial Arts Research Study" by Dr. Scott Weiss, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2004

Introduction:

by Scott Weiss, DPT, ATC, CSCS. Co-Founder & Owner of Bodhizone

When I was a graduate student studying exercise physiology, a major question I asked myself was, "Did my fifteen years of disciplined training in the martial arts create a fitness profile that I can compare to any top athlete in any sport of the world?" Well, I knew the training I did in gymnastics and for two black belts in both Tang Soo Do and Jiu Jitsu not only created an amazing physique but taught me an understanding of my body both on the ground and in the air. I know that may be hard to comprehend but basically, I was curious to know how my martial arts training stacked up to traditional weight training, flexibility, aerobic exercise and other sports. This study my colleagues and I created tested just this. We wanted to see if middle aged martial arts practitioners, training in the martial arts regularly, make the same gains in everything from balance to aerobic fitness as there trained counterparts.

Conclusion:

The Martial Arts, especially Tang Soo Do Soo Bahk Do is an excellent alternative to traditional fitness based exercise. The martial arts produce significant changes on all the components of fitness and then some!

Full Report Text

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2004

“Martial Arts Research Study" by Dr. Scott Weiss, British Journal of Sports Medicine