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arts in one's life. The concept of Wude encompasses values like benevolence, respect, knowledge, trust and courage.

An example of Wude in martial arts comes from the case of a student named Ricci. Ricci was a ten year old elementary school student in a bad neighborhood. He was a disruptive student who would bully other students and harass the girls in class. Ricci was enrolled in a gentle warrior class that was offered at his school. He quickly adjusted to the training and became an assistant instructor. Ricci's "need to dominate and bully peers was sublimated into constructive leadership skills" (Twemlow and Sacco 8). "The therapist later indicated that he considered the gentle warrior training to be the turning point in the development of Ricci's self-esteem and capacity for self-control" (Twemlow and Sacco 8).

Traditional martial arts training, when structured properly, can be a viable alternative or supplement to verbal psychotherapy. The history of martial arts is one steeped in tradition and virtue that has been providing health both mentally and physically for centuries. This fact, together with the studies conducted to date have shown that the benefits of traditional martial arts training are in many ways parallel to those of traditional therapy programs.

Annotated Bibliography

"Martial Arts Therapy." Wikipedia. 26 Feb 2007. 28 Mar 2007 .

This online encyclopedia article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using martial arts as therapy. Topics covered include psychosocial issues, physical medicine issues and further reading.

Twemlow, Stuart, and Frank Sacco. "The Application of Traditional Martial Arts Practice and Theory to the Treatment of Violent Adolescents." Adolescence 33(1998)

Factors that contribute to aggression in adolescents and the structure of a treatment program utilizing traditional martial arts training are examined. Facts from case studies are presented to further illustrate the benefits traditional martial arts training as a form of therapy.

Weiser, Mark, Ilan Kutz, Sue Jacobson Kutz, and Daniel Weiser. "Psychotherapeutic Aspects of the Martial Arts." American Journal of Psychotherapy. 49(1995): 118-125

The validity and potential of using martial arts as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy is examined. The argument is supported by clinical evidence that illustrates the benefits of martial arts therapy.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Bowling.
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