International journal of martial arts

Overview

International Journal of Martial Arts (IJMA) is an English-language academic journal published to systematize martial arts as an academic subject and to internationally disseminate research findings encompassing training and coaching education. The journal recognizes martial arts as more than just a traditional physical activity or a competitive sport; it encompasses systematic training systems, coaching theory, human development, and performance enhancement.

International Journal of Martial Arts (IJMA) embraces an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing both theoretical and empirical research, based on the close connection between martial arts research and various related academic disciplines. Through this approach, the journal aims to strengthen the scientific foundation of martial arts and accumulate evidence-based academic knowledge applicable to real-world practice.

The journal focuses on coaching and training as core research areas, embracing diverse research methodologies to ensure both analytical depth and applicability in martial arts research. Furthermore, through English-language academic publications, research findings from traditional martial arts cultures can be shared within international academic discourse. This international expansion contributes to elevating the academic status of martial arts research and fostering academic exchange and comparative research across national and regional boundaries.

Aims & Scope

Publishing Schedule

• Proposal for a Non-Face-to-Face Health Qigong Program to Strengthen the Intrinsic Capabilities of Active Seniors

  Purpose: This study focuses on "Health Qigong", a traditional Eastern mind-body training method, as a solution to the problem of hyper-aging faced by Korean society. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Health Qigong for healthy aging and propose specific non-face-to-face program implementation strategies. Method: This study analyzed previous research findings using triangulation to determine inter-rater agreement. The data collection primarily focused on research papers on Health Qigong and healthy aging published in the Korea Citation Index (KCI) within the past 10 years (2015-2025). For policy data analysis, the "Non-medical Healthcare Service Guidelines and Casebook" published by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare was analyzed to assess its applicability. Results: The study identified the anticipated advantages and disadvantages of a non-face-to-face Health Qigong program and proposed a Health Qigong program to strengthen intrinsic capacity. Furthermore, a detailed implementation strategy and evaluation indicators, applying a non-medical healthcare service model, and a specific safety training manual for the Health Qigong program were developed. Conclusion: Health Qigong can be safely applied within non-medical healthcare service guidelines. In particular, it is understood that non-face-to-face implementation of health information verification, prevention and management consultation, training goal setting, training implementation and monitoring, feedback, and adjustments is feasible. To ensure future sustainability, a cultural approach should be developed that integrates with the healthy pleasure trend and fosters a perception of Health Qigong as a fun and sustainable lifestyle habit for older adults, rather than a forced exercise.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Health Qigong, Non-Face-to-Face, Intrinsic Capabilities, Active Seniors, Strengthen
  Abstract PDF Links
• A Study on the Establishment of Professional Players and Clubs in Korean Judo: From Professional Soccer and Baseball to AI Judgment

  Purpose: This study analyzes the structural limitations that have prevented Korean judo from establishing itself as a professional sport despite its international success. To achieve this, it compares the development of professional soccer and professional baseball to examine the institutional characteristics of Korean judo. Furthermore, it examines the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI), which is expanding in the field of sports judging, to the sport of judo. Furthermore, it envisages the future of Korean judo amidst Korea's low birth rate and transition to a multicultural society, and proposes a direction for Korean judo suited to the era of professional sports and AI judging. Method: This study compared Korean judo with professional soccer and baseball teams. It also analyzed institutional and technological changes, focusing on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sports judging. Results: While Korean judo maintains high competitiveness in the elite sports system centered on international competitions, it has been revealed that institutional gaps exist in the professional sports structure. Unlike professional soccer and baseball, the absence of a regular league and market base has limited player job security and the popularization of the sport. Furthermore, the lack of a systematic strategy for developing star players and promoting media exposure has been revealed. Issues regarding the fairness of sports judging have been repeatedly raised in judo, negatively impacting audience trust. Furthermore, analysis of cases involving the introduction of AI judging systems suggests that technology-based judging has the potential to simultaneously enhance fairness and reliability. Furthermore, the low birth rate and shift toward a multicultural society were identified as factors requiring structural changes in the recruitment and management of Korean judo athletes. In summary, the need for Korean judo to move beyond its traditional performance-based development model and adapt to the new sports environment was identified. Conclusion: This study analyzed the structural limitations facing Korean judo from the perspective of professionalization and the changing technological environment. The results confirmed that expanding the league base and improving the athlete career structure are essential for the sustainable development of Korean judo. In particular, the introduction of AI refereeing is evaluated as a key strategy to enhance the fairness and reliability of judo competitions. Furthermore, the need for an open and integrated athlete development policy that responds to changes in social structure was raised. In conclusion, Korean judo must secure future competitiveness through a systematic transformation suited to the era of professional sports and AI refereeing.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Professional Sports, Judo, Soccer, Baseball, The Era of AI Refereeing
  Abstract PDF Links
• The Concept of Non-Medical Health Care Services in Korea and Application of Health Qigong Exercise Prescriptions for Elderly Health Care

  Purpose: The Korean government's definition of health care services is unclear and inclusive. Furthermore, opinions differ among experts, the medical community, consumer groups, and health care service providers regarding violations of the Medical Service Act, hindering the objective reflection of diverse stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the applicability of Health Qigong's exercise prescription program for geriatric health interventions in the non-medical health care service sector. Method: This study focused on the non-medical health care service guidelines and casebooks published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2019 and 2021. This study identified the criteria for medical and non-medical practices and examined the applicable content in detail. Results: The study identified detailed examples of providers and institutions by activity through a detailed classification of health care service providers. Furthermore, it proposed four considerations for non-medical health care service provision and seven-level examples of exercise prescription application. Conclusion: Within the concept of non-medical health care services, the most specific aspects of implementing a Health Qigong program are establishing an implementation plan tailored to the user's training goals and implementing and monitoring training in accordance with the principles of exercise prescription. This study has provided an understanding of the procedures and practices of non-medical health care services in Korea, and will serve as an opportunity to identify areas where natural therapies can be utilized.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Non-Medical Health Care Service, Exercise Prescription, Health Qigong, Elderly, Health Care
  Abstract PDF Links
• A Study on the Promotion of National Interest and Development of Korean Judo Athletes in the 1990s

  Purpose: This study aims to reexamine the significance and value of the judo athletes who contributed to the national interest at the Olympics and World Judo Championships through the development of Korean judo in the 1990s, and to examine the historical implications of these achievements. Furthermore, by examining the historical significance of Korean judo's development at the 25th Barcelona Olympics, the 26th Atlanta Olympics, and various World Judo Championships, the study aims to suggest future directions for the sport in Korea and to highlight its historical implications. Method: This study's content, scope, and methodology focused on examining the historical significance of the judo athletes who contributed to the development of Korean judo at the 1990 Olympics and World Judo Championships. This review included newspaper articles, historical papers, and a collection of historical materials from the Korea Judo Association. Through this review, the study presented a concrete direction for the development and identity of Korean judo. Results: This study examines the development of Korean judo in the 1990s and its contribution to enhancing national prestige at the Olympics and World Judo Championships. Through periods of stability and instability, Korean judo has been able to engage in further self-reflection, identify future directions, and make progressive leaps forward. Conclusion: This study examined the development of Korean judo in the 1990s and its contribution to enhancing national prestige at the Olympics and World Judo Championships. Through periods of stability and instability in Korean judo, this study presented the historical value and implications for its development, promotion, and identity. Therefore, this study examined the development of Korean judo in the 1990s and its contribution to enhancing national prestige at the Olympics and World Judo Championships, offering some insights into its historical significance. Furthermore, more detailed and in-depth follow-up research is needed to examine the development of Korean judo in the 1990s and its contribution to enhancing national prestige from a contemporary perspective, focusing on techniques, physical strength, muscular strength, mental fortitude, and strategic tactics.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Korean Judo, Olympics, World Judo Championships, Identity, Promotion of National Interest
  Abstract PDF Links
• The Universality and Specificity of Health Qigong from a Beginner’s Perspective

  Purpose: Health Qigong is an exercise that moves slowly to rhythm and is a type of slow exercise based theoretically on Chinese medicine. In this study, we sought to find out how people who are practicing Health Qigong for the first time are experiencing changes in their perception. Accordingly, this study was conducted for the purpose of examining the universality and specificity of Health Qigong compared to other sports from the perspective of beginners practicing Health Qigong. Method: Six beginners in Health Qigong who could provide sufficient answers to the research topic were selected as participants. The study participants participated in a total of 15 training programs and 1 presentation over 4 months and consisted of 3 men and 3 women. The data analysis process used Colaizzi's six-step analysis method in the phenomenological research method among qualitative research methods, and structured the changes in perception according to the participants' experiences by dividing them into universality and specificity. In addition, the participants' facial expressions and gestures were recorded and used as additional observation data and reflected in the research results. Results: As a result of the study, 3 categories, 7 topic bundles, and 15 subjects were finally identified. In the category of universality, physical, emotional, and convenience of space use were identified, and in the category of differentiation, movement characteristics and exercise types were identified, and convenience and fun were identified in the Health Qigong presentation. Conclusion: The results of this study will be meaningful in that they provide an opportunity to continue the cycle of participation by identifying the uniqueness of the Health Qigong program. In future research, specific and practical educational plans should be presented to expand the base of the program as well as research on the effects of Health Qigong training.

  2024.08.31

  Keyword:Health Qigong, Universality, Specificity, Beginner, Perspective
  Abstract PDF Links

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