Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods

Advisor/Mentor

Grover, Kenda

Committee Member

Galliart, Julie

Second Committee Member

Cornelius, Robbie

Keywords

Adult Education; Experiential Learning Theory; Martial Arts; Taekwondo

Abstract

Taekwondo has gained increasing prominence among adult practitioners in the United States, offering both physical and psychological benefits. However, despite its popularity, research on Taekwondo has predominantly emphasized youth populations, competitive contexts, or injury epidemiology, with limited attention to the lived experiences of adult practitioners. Adults present distinct needs and challenges in martial arts training, including variability in physical conditioning, age-related health considerations, and constraints associated with family and professional responsibilities. A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for developing training programs that are both effective and sustainable for adult populations. This dissertation employs a qualitative case study design to investigate the experiences of adult Taekwondo practitioners within a single instructional context: a Taekwondo program in the Southern United States. The study is guided by one overarching research question, supported by four sub-questions, addressing how adults perceive instructional methods, articulate personal learning needs, navigate social and environmental influences, and experience injury during their training.

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