The Relationship between Mindfulness Practices and the Psychological State and Performance of Kyokushin Karate Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between mindfulness practices and the psychological state and qualification of kyokushin karate athletes. The survey was conducted using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-15) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The study involved 371 Lithuanian kyokushin karate athletes (of which 59.3% were male and 40.7% were female; 71.4% of research participants have practiced this sport for 11 and more years and have the 1st dan or a higher belt). The results of the study showed a positive impact of mindfulness in reducing stress experienced by athletes, improving their psychological state, and enhancing their athletic performance. A moderate negative correlation was identified between stress, anxiety, and mindfulness, and while the mindfulness score was increasing, the severity level of depression was decreasing. Meanwhile, the correlation of the meditation effect and anxiety with kyokushin karate 0–7 kyu belt was very weak but statistically significant. The research results could be useful not only for athletes and their coaches but also for sports organizations. After analysing the benefits of mindfulness for kyokushin karate athletes, mindfulness practices are proposed for the effective improvement of athletes’ physical and psychological state when preparing for professional-level competitions.

Personality and Age of Male National Team of Ukraine in Kyokushin Karate—Pilot Study

“…A high or low level of openness to experience depends mainly on the influences of a given environment and situation. In our case, the tested persons are professional Ukrainian kyokushin karate practitioners and, from this perspective, the positive effect of karate training on physical [ 43 ] and mental [ 44 ] health in relation to sport experience [ 45 ] and sport level [ 46 ] should be considered valid.…”

Theoretical aspects of the psychological preparation of an athlete for a match in kyokushin karate

“…Займаючись проблемою підготовки спортсменів в карате Кіокушин фахівці [4,7,8,10] вказують на важливість різних аспектів її вирішення. Зокрема серед ключових аспектів підготовки спортсмена у карате Кіокушин важлива увага припадає на психологічну складову [1,3,5,6,9], що полягає у врахуванні концентрації уваги, регуляції емоцій, планування та стратегії, позитивного менталітету, аналізу попередніх поєдинків, психологічного супроводу, спокою під тиском.…”

“…Найважливіше завдання психологічної підготовки спортсмена у карате «Кіокушин» має полягати не лише у формуванні необхідних навичок, а й у навчанні мобілізації всіх своїх сил під час змагань [3,9,10].…”

Mindfulness Training and Health-Related Quality of Life in Male NCAA Division I Athletes

“…12 Mindfulness training has been shown to effectively mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression among the general population, as well as among those with cancer, and neurological disease. 13-16 However, there is a lack of prior research evaluating the influence of mindfulness training on HRQoL among collegiate athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a six-week mindfulness intervention on HRQoL among male collegiate athletes during a three-year period.…”