Fighting for our place

: women athlete’s experiences of care in martial arts

Abstract

Women athletes have differing and more negative experiences in sport compared to their men counterparts. Previous literature on athlete experiences of care in sport focuses on abuse or the lack of care provided. Previous research on care in sport or gender inequality often interview men participants to discuss women’s issues. In martial arts, there is a lack of research into care, abuse or welfare. Women are underrepresented in martial arts participation, however their presence in the sport can challenge gender stereotypes and order. This study focuses on the question; how do women experience care in martial arts?

Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with women athletes participating in martial arts to gather insight into their first-hand experiences of care. A reflexive thematic analysis framed by Connell’s theoretical ideas of gender and power was undertaken. The key themes identified were relationships and care in martial arts – coaches, relationships and care in martial arts – athletes, femininity and care in martial arts and reproducing hegemonic masculinity.

This study highlighted different ways in which women athletes perceived they were being cared for, and what they perceived to be negative experiences of care. Coaches and other athletes influence women athletes' experiences of care. Men coaches possess a lack of knowledge about women's bodies, leading to less care for women athletes. Ultimately, reproduction of hegemonic masculinity and gender hierarchy in martial arts has a negative impact on the care women athletes receive in their martial art, also impacting their views of their sport and their participation

Date of Award	4 Mar 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Abertay University
Supervisor	Rhiannon Lord (Supervisor), Ross Lorimer (Supervisor) & Paula Murray (Supervisor)