Motor development and motor skills benefits of martial arts training in children and adolescents: a systematic review across disciplines and outcome domains

Journal of Educational and Learning Studies September 18, 2026 Volume 9, Number 1 1 authors

Abstract

Motor competence acquired during childhood underpins lifelong physical activity, yet declining motor proficiency and rising inactivity have intensified the search for engaging developmental interventions. Martial arts, which integrate balance, coordination, agility, and controlled whole-body movement, are increasingly proposed as a vehicle for youth motor development, but the evidence remains dispersed across disciplines and styles. This systematic literature review synthesised experimental evidence on the effects of martial arts training on motor development and motor skills in children and adolescents. Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, a structured search of the Scopus database identified 182 records; after removal of duplicates and records not meeting format criteria, 72 records were screened, 39 full texts were assessed, and 20 experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included. Eligible studies encompassed taekwondo, judo, karate, wushu, pencak silat, and mixed combat sports, with outcomes spanning balance and postural control, fundamental motor skills and proficiency, agility and lower-limb power, motor learning, and visuomotor coordination. Across designs, martial arts interventions consistently improved balance and coordination, with especially robust effects in preschoolers and children with coordination difficulties. Findings support martial arts as an effective, inclusive strategy for physical education and coaching, while highlighting the need for larger trials, standardised outcomes, and broader stylistic and geographic representation.

Authors

  1. Juanda Putra

    Universitas Negeri Padang

Keywords

Martial artsMotor developmentMotor skillsChildren and adolescentsBalance and coordination.

References

  1. Al-Odat, J.E. (2024). The impact of an educational program on some judo skills on developing motor balance. Perspektivy Nauki i Obrazovania, 68(2), 295–311. https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2024.2.18
  2. Boutios, S., Fiorilli, G., Buonsenso, A., Daniilidis, P., Centorbi, M., Intrieri, M., & Di Cagno, A. (2021). The impact of age, gender and technical experience on three motor coordination skills in children practicing taekwondo. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115998
  3. Effendi, R., Welis, W., Ihsan, N., & Effendi, H. (2025). Agility Training in Adolescent Pencak Silat Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study. Retos, 63, 156–164. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.108123
  4. Fong, S.S.M., Cheung, C.K.Y., Ip, J.Y., Chiu, J.H.N., Lam, K.L.H., & Tsang, W.W.N. (2012). Sport-specific balance ability in Taekwondo practitioners. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 7(2), 520–526. https://doi.org/10.4100/jhse.2012.72.15
  5. Fong, S.S.M., Chung, J.W.Y., Chow, L.P.Y., Ma, A.W.W., & Tsang, W.W.N. (2013). Differential effect of Taekwondo training on knee muscle strength and reactive and static balance control in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(5), 1446–1455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.01.025
  6. Fong, S.S.M., Fu, S.-N., & Ng, G.Y.F. (2012). Taekwondo training speeds up the development of balance and sensory functions in young adolescents. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15(1), 64–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2011.06.001
  7. Fong, S.S.M., Tsang, W.W.N., & Ng, G.Y.F. (2012). Taekwondo training improves sensory organization and balance control in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(1), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2011.08.023
  8. Gallahue, D. L., Ozmun, J. C., & Goodway, J. D. (2012). Understanding motor development: Infants, children, adolescents, adults (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  9. Genç, H., Türkmen, M., Tekin, İ., Cigerci, A.E., Gürses, V.V., Kızar, O., Ökmen, M.Ş., Polatcan, İ., & Gündoğdu, S.D. (2026). Effects of 8-week plyometric training program on balance, reaction time, and attention on elite adolescent female taekwondo athletes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1838014
  10. Georgiev, Y., Nedev, N., Ivanova, E., Nikolova, D., & Popova, M. (2025). Methods of Rehabilitation of Children through Eastern Martial Arts and their Impact on Health. International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 14(3), 246–257. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2025.14.03.6
  11. Ghadiri, F., O’Brien, W., Soltani, S., Faraji, M., & Bahmani, M. (2022). The effect of karate interventions on the motor proficiency of female adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) from high and low socio-economic status. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00501-6
  12. Giardullo, G., Aliberti, S., Sannicandro, I., Fattore, S., & Ceruso, R. (2024). Karate Game: Using a Playful and Participatory Approach to Enhancing Children’s Social and Motor Perception during the Developmental Age. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(4), 539–544. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.4.04
  13. Gomes, F.R.F., Bastos, F.H., Meira, C.M., Neiva, J.F.O., & Tani, G. (2017). Effects of distinct practice conditions on the learning of the o soto gari throwing technique of judo. Journal of Sports Sciences, 35(6), 572–578. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1180418
  14. Gomes, F.R.F., Meira, C.M., & Tani, G. (2025). Whole practice combined with Kuzushi preparation enhances learning of Tai Otoshi in experienced young judokas. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v19i1.510
  15. Hong, Q. N., Pluye, P., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., Gagnon, M.-P., Griffiths, F., Nicolau, B., O’Cathain, A., Rousseau, M.-C., & Vedel, I. (2018). Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), version 2018. Registration of Copyright (#1148552), Canadian Intellectual Property Office, Industry Canada.
  16. Huang, H., Yan, S., Chen, J., & Xu, W. (2023). QUALITY IN BALANCE SENSITIVITY THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS APPLIED TO CHILDREN. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 29. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0366
  17. Jaksic, D., Mandic, S., Maksimovic, N., Milosevic, Z., Roklicer, R., Vukovic, J., Pocek, S., Lakicevic, N., Bianco, A., Cassar, S., & Drid, P. (2020). Effects of a nine-month physical activity intervention on morphological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills of preschool children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186609
  18. Ju, Y.-Y., Liu, Y.-H., Cheng, C.-H., Lee, Y.-L., Chang, S.-T., Sun, C.-C., & Cheng, H.-Y.K. (2018). Effects of combat training on visuomotor performance in children aged 9 to 12 years - an eye-tracking study. BMC Pediatrics, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-018-1038-6
  19. Kabadayı, M., Karadeniz, S., Yılmaz, A.K., Karaduman, E., Bostancı, Ö., Akyildiz, Z., Clemente, F.M., & Silva, A.F. (2022). Effects of Core Training in Physical Fitness of Youth Karate Athletes: A Controlled Study Design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105816
  20. Li, B., Li, R., Qin, H., Chen, T., & Sun, J. (2022). Effects of Chinese Martial Arts on Motor Skills in Children between 5 and 6 Years of Age: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610204
  21. Li, H., & Zhang, R. (2025). The effect of exercise intervention on balance and executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01142-1
  22. Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. A., Clarke, M., Devereaux, P. J., Kleijnen, J., & Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: Explanation and elaboration. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000100. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000100
  23. Lubans, D. R., Morgan, P. J., Cliff, D. P., Barnett, L. M., & Okely, A. D. (2010). Fundamental movement skills in children and adolescents: Review of associated health benefits. Sports Medicine, 40(12), 1019–1035. https://doi.org/10.2165/11536850-000000000-00000
  24. Ludyga, S., Mücke, M., Leuenberger, R., Bruggisser, F., Pühse, U., Gerber, M., Capone-Mori, A., Keutler, C., Brotzmann, M., & Weber, P. (2022). Behavioral and neurocognitive effects of judo training on working memory capacity in children with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial. NeuroImage: Clinical, 36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103156
  25. Luo, B., Fan, R., Li, R., Wang, R., Zheng, X., Huang, R., Zhang, S., Sun, Y., Zhou, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2026). Effects of Wushu Programs on Lower-Limb Explosive Power in Preschool Children Aged 5–6 Years: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020222
  26. Luo, B., Xu, Y., Zhang, Y., Wang, R., Gu, M., Wang, J., Shi, Y., Zhou, Z., Li, R., & Zhu, X. (2026). Effects of a 10-Week Wushu Program on Static, Dynamic, and Dual-Task Balance and Physical Fitness in Preschool Children. Sports, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14070286
  27. Ma, A.W.W., Fong, S.S.M., Guo, X., Liu, K.P.Y., Fong, D.Y.T., Bae, Y.-H., Yuen, L., Cheng, Y.T.Y., & Tsang, W.W.N. (2018). Adapted Taekwondo Training for Prepubertal Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28738-7
  28. Marchenko, S., Ivashchenko, O., Khudolii, O., & Verygin, V. (2024). Coordination of movements: identification of age-related dynamics of its development in karate boys 7-11 years old. Slobozhanskyi Herald of Science and Sport, 28(3), 148–156. https://doi.org/10.15391/snsv.2024-3.006
  29. Maussier, N., Pierantozzi, E., Manno, R., & Magnanini, A. (2025). Judo and karate in primary school as a means for the improvement of social inclusion for autistic children. Sport Sciences for Health, 21(3), 2325–2332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01461-3
  30. Mischenko, N., Kolokoltsev, M., Ustselemova, N., Ilyina, G., Purevdorj, D., Khusman, O., Baatar, B., Romanova, E., & Kokhan, S. (2020). Trampolines-acrobatic exercises in training of 7 year-old Taekwondo athletes. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 20, 3169–3175. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.s6429
  31. Ouergui, I., Messaoudi, H., Chtourou, H., Wagner, M.O., Bouassida, A., Bouhlel, E., Franchini, E., & Engel, F.A. (2020). Repeated sprint training vs. Repeated high-intensity technique training in adolescent taekwondo athletes-a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124506
  32. Öztürk, A., Cengizel, E., & Günay, M. (2025). Effect of static and dynamic core exercises on kicking impact, kicking speed and balance in adolescent taekwondo athletes. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiaticas, 20(2), 234–247. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v20i2.2516
  33. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
  34. Robinson, L. E., Stodden, D. F., Barnett, L. M., Lopes, V. P., Logan, S. W., Rodrigues, L. P., & D’Hondt, E. (2015). Motor competence and its effect on positive developmental trajectories of health. Sports Medicine, 45(9), 1273–1284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0351-6
  35. Rutkowski, T., & Chwałczyńska, A. (2025). The Impact of Karate and Yoga on Children’s Physical Fitness: A 10-Week Intervention Study. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 15(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010435
  36. Saraiva, B.T.C., Ritti-Dias, R.M., Scarabottolo, C.C., da Silva, A.L.F., Tebar, W.R., & Christofaro, D.G.D. (2023). Effects of nine months practice of martial arts on aerobic fitness in children and adolescentes. Science and Sports, 38(4), 394–400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2022.02.007
  37. Saraiva, B.T.C., Tebar, W.R., Dos Santos, A.B., Antunes, E.P., Silva, S.C.B., Furuta, D.T., Ferrari, G., Delfino, L.D., & Christofaro, D.G.D. (2025). Effects of different modalities of combat sports on the motor skills of children and adolescents. BMC Pediatrics, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05814-2
  38. Stodden, D. F., Goodway, J. D., Langendorfer, S. J., Roberton, M. A., Rudisill, M. E., Garcia, C., & Garcia, L. E. (2008). A developmental perspective on the role of motor skill competence in physical activity: An emergent relationship. Quest, 60(2), 290–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2008.10483582
  39. Suarez-Villadat, B., Montero, M., Montero, S., López-García, A., & Villagra, A. (2026). Adapted Judo as a Multidimensional Intervention: Effects on Physical Fitness and Psychosocial Well-Being in Adolescents with Down Syndrome. Healthcare (Switzerland), 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010081
  40. Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 8, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45
  41. Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence-informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
  42. Yu, C.C.W., Mok, K.M., Mak, E., Au, C.T., Chan, D.F.Y., Wu, S., Chung, R.C.K., Ip, M.C.K., & Wong, S.W.L. (2025). Protocol for evaluating the effects of integrating music with taekwondo training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 20(1 January). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315503
  43. Yudhistira, D., Wijaya, A., Waskita, G.I., Purba, P.H., Fauzi, M.S., Baun, A., Rohadi, M., Saiin, M., & Ismawan, H. (2026). The effect of core stability training on improving balance moderated by strength in early age karate students. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 30(3), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2026.0304
  44. Zhang, J.-J., Lu, J., & Liu, C.-T. (2025). The effect of specialized Hongquan martial arts training on the development of visual-motor integration in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1598526