The Level of Aggressiveness During Karate Practice of Inmates in Correctional Settings

Abstract

Karate is known to enhance cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and self-regulation and to contribute to an overall behavior rehabilitation process. However, few data are available on the impact of practicing karate in adult prison inmates. The main objective of this research was to evaluate aggressive behavior, comparing prison inmates and club practitioners during karate practice. The level of aggressiveness was rated by observers during defined elements and training situations in karate classes held in France. Data were collected during 77 observations of 75 prison inmates (55 male and 20 female) in a prison setting, and 188 observations of 117 club practitioners (80 male and 37 female) in a club setting over a period of 26 months. Licit aggressiveness was graded by observers during launched actions, kiais , and bows, and the practice level (belts) was also considered. Interrater reliability of the observational measure was highly acceptable (Cohen κ = 1). Comparisons between female and male prison inmates and club practitioners were made using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U -test for independent samples. The results revealed that a higher level of aggressiveness was observed in both male and female club practitioners during launched actions and kiais than in prison inmate practitioners ( p < 0.001, small effect size). However, prison inmates (of both genders) showed a higher level of aggressiveness during bows ( p < 0.001, medium effect size). While the analyses showed no significant differences between genders, the level of karate practice was associated with distinct changes. Significant differences in observed aggressiveness were present only in beginners and in those with a low level of karate practice, whereas no differences in aggressiveness between prison or club practitioners were observed during karate practice in those with a high level of karate practice (black belt). However, these results must be interpreted with caution as there was no way to control the multiple factors that might also affect inmate behaviors in a correctional setting. We suggest that karate practice in prison may positively contribute to interactional behaviors.

The level of the aggression in karate athletes with different handedness and belt grades

“…The results showed no significant relationship between belt grades and aggression in karateka athletes. These results are incongruent with the findings of Frigout et al [33] (2020). The researchers demonstrated that notable disparities in observed levels of aggressiveness were solely evident among individuals who were new to karate or had limited experience in practicing it.…”

“…The researchers demonstrated that notable disparities in observed levels of aggressiveness were solely evident among individuals who were new to karate or had limited experience in practicing it. Conversely, no discernible variations in aggressiveness were observed between individuals who practiced karate in a prison setting versus those who practiced it in a club setting, specifically among individuals who had attained a high level of karate practice (i.e., black belt) [33]. Likewise, this finding is inconsistent with those of Daniels and Thornton [34] as well as those of Nosanchouk [35], who have shown a negative relationship between aggression and duration of sport training.…”

Levels of Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being in Non-Athletes and Martial Art Athletes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Within our study, the results may be biased in the sampling due to the variability of the information, especially in the methodological limitations and strength of the study participants. Sex, the practice of sports, and the level of physical activity play an important role in obtaining truthful information when administering the questionnaire, and therefore, we noticed a greater number of participants who did not practice sports (79.6%), a situation that may have influenced the analysis due to the variability of the data [ 55 , 56 ]. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the context of today’s society.…”