The Potential of Aikido in Intercultural Business Communication Training: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Embodied Pedagogy

Background: Experiential approaches are gaining recognition in intercultural business communication training. However, aikido's potential as an experiential method remains underexplored. Purpose : This study investigates the assumption that incorporating aikido movements into intercultural business communication training leads to learning gains and increased satisfaction. Method: Using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, we trained 73 participants (working professionals) across four groups based on an aikido interaction model. Two groups practiced with aikido embodiment, while two received theoretical explanations only. Data were collected through observations and multiphase surveys. Findings : While quantitative data showed no significant impact on learning gains in intercultural interaction and tranquility skills, aikido-embodied training improved memory performance and yielded higher satisfaction with the experiential method and teaching style. Qualitative data added nuance and showed that participants experienced aikido-embodied training as facilitating the assimilation, retention, and application of the intercultural communication skills as learning gains and expressed satisfaction with how aikido promoted attentiveness and understanding. One comparison group yielded outcomes similar to the aikido-embodied groups; closer analysis suggests that group behavior may have influenced results and merits attention in future research. Implications : The embodied pedagogy of aikido, by promoting engagement, clarity, and retention, offers a valuable approach to experiential culture-general business communication training.