Budo on the Spectrum Self-Reported Benefits of Autistic Adults Engaged

Titel Budo on the Spectrum Self-Reported Benefits of Autistic Adults Engaged in Japanese Martial Arts: A Mixed-Methods Exploration

Autor*innen Martine Mussies

Zitationsvorschlag

Mussies, M. (2025). Budo on the Spectrum Self-Reported Benefits of Autistic Adults Engaged in Japanese Martial Arts: A Mixed-Methods Exploration. Journal of Martial Arts Research, 8, Article 62. https://doi.org/10.25847/jomar.2025.62

Abstract

Japanese martial arts (budo) offer structured, repetitive, and highly disciplined training environments that may be particularly beneficial for autistic individuals. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores the self-reported experiences of 81 autistic budo practitioners (ages 18-57) who completed structured questionnaires on sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction, supplemented by semi-structured interviews exploring their lived experiences in martial arts training. This study focused exclusively on adults aged 18-57. Results showed that 85% of participants reported improved proprioception, 84% found structured social hierarchies helpful, and 90% experienced increased self-confidence. Self-reported benefits are interpreted through neurophysiological frameworks, with improvements in motor coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction suggesting potential engagement of cerebellar, proprioceptive, and limbic systems that align with known neurological characteristics of autism. Findings indicate that structured social hierarchies provide clarity for social navigation, while repetitive movement patterns support sensory regulation. Insights from this research support the development of neurodiversity-friendly martial arts programmes, incorporating sensory accommodations, clear communication strategies, and structured partner exercises. Future research should investigate these interpreted mechanisms through direct neuroimaging studies, such as fMRI, to empirically examine the impact of budo on sensorimotor and social brain networks in autistic practitioners.