Physical self-defense perceptions of women athletes: a cross-disciplinary study in combat sports


SUSUZ Y. E., Uyar M., SÜLÜN F., ÇEMÇ M. S., ÇOLAKOĞLU F. F.

ARRANCADA, cilt.26, sa.53, ss.213-224, 2026 (ESCI)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 53
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: ARRANCADA
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), DIALNET
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.213-224
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigated the self-defense perception levels of women combat sports athletes against physical attacks and explored potential differences between disciplines. The research included a total of 463 volunteer women athletes (mean age and standard deviation = 24.92 f 8.30 years) with at least 2 years of experience in judo (n = 150), karate (n = 128), taekwondo (n = 49), wrestling (n = 54), and kickboxing (n = 82). Participants were administered a "Personal Information Form" and a "Self-Defense Against Physical Attacks Scale". The findings indicate that national athletes scored higher in the "self-defense against simple physical attacks" sub dimension (p < .032). Additionally, women practicing wrestling and judo showed significantly higher perception levels of self-defense against simple physical attacks compared to those practicing kickboxing (p < .002). Furthermore, increased experience among participants was positively correlated with both sub-dimensions, while increased age showed a low but significant positive correlation only with the "self-defense against simple physical attacks" sub-dimension (r = .207; p < .01), (r = .113; p < .05) and (r = .155; p < .01). This research may serve as a guide for women interested in combat sports for the purpose of physical self-defense.