THE APPLICATION OF SPORT PSYCHOLOGY TO JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS-An Introduction for Research in Mental Management-

Abstract

Through out the history of Japanese martial arts, relaxation, image training, and concentration are very important factors. These factors are incorporated in the training for martial arts and many practitioners utilizes these techniques in their skills of martial arts. Scientific mental training is a trend that can be found in the sports world.
Recently, many countries were able to find success through mental training for the Olympiad. There are, however, few psychological research that reports on the details of the techniques often used in martial arts.
The purpose of this research is to review international researches on mental training and to introduce the Japanese Mental. Management Project in sport psychology for the Japan Amature Sports Association.
From the review of international studies on mental training, it was found that many sport psychologists from around the world have scientifically studies and researched in the area of Japanese martial arts. Yet, the Japanese are lagging behind in this area. It is the opinion of this researcher that Japanese researchers should also look into the traditional martial arts not only for observation but to apply scientific research into this area that is the heritage of Japan.