The Contribution of Martial Arts to Moral Development

Background. Martial arts are safe educational activities. An integral aspect of martial arts is the development of the participants' moral approach to the self and to others. However, not all contemporary martial arts clubs take moral cultivation as important, which diminishes their potential. Problem and Aim. The paper presents various ways of cultivation of morality in the practice of martial arts. Methods. We employ the philosophical method of logical argumentation and description of various moral strategics within martial arts, together with an analysis and discussion of relevant literature. Results. The central aspects of moral development in the martial arts were considered in regard to the following themes: the ethos of the martial arts community; rules and Codes of Conduct as expressions of the martial arts community; martial arts etiquette; the importance of the example set by the teacher (Master); ways in which the acquisition of martial techniques can influence our moral development; the role of meditation in humanistic and moral education. Conclusion. A better understanding of the cultivation of morality in martial arts makes it possible to identify and nurture those moral strategies and practices that make the martial arts a suitable and rich means of moral development and moral education.