Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

50

Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Health and Sport Science

Concentration

Physical Ed for Teacher Ed

Committee Chair

Paul M Wright

Committee Member

Ben P Dyson

Committee Member

Carol Irwin

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe and interpret the experiences and perspectives of participants in a community-based TPSR martial arts program designed to promote positive youth development among at-risk African American adolescents living in an urban environment.Case study methodology was use to do investigate and analyze the experiences and perspectives of participants, relative to the benefits of martial arts, relevance of martial arts on life, youth development, and skill acquisition.Participants were four male members of the YMCA Community Action Plan (Y-CAP) program.Data sources included observational field notes, case files, and interviews with Y-CAP staff, participants, and parents.The specific questions that guided the research was: What was the objective of the martial arts club; What knowledge did the participants gain from their martial arts experience; Did the martial arts club promote positive youth development among at-risk youth; and Did the martial arts club experience promote physical skill and technique development?Results brought into view four diverse cases that proved relevant and informative in capturing the experiences and perspectives of participants in the martial arts program.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Download

Share

COinS