MINDFULNESS AND CONCENTRATION AMONG WUSHU SPECIALTY STUDENTS USING TAI CHI PREPARATION TECHNIQUES

The study explored Tai Chi as a preparatory technique in Chinese Wushu (kung fu or martial arts) and its correlation with students’ mindfulness levels and concentration levels. One hundred four students were selected and qualified based on a nonrandomized selection, with the majority falling within the age range of 18–21 years, of which 58.65% were males and 41.35% were females. The descriptive analyses revealed a moderate level of mindfulness among the participants. Who also demonstrated good concentration abilities with moderate variability in scores. The Tai Chi proficiency scores revealed that most students performed well in Tai Chi, with many achieving outstanding or good proficiency levels. Additionally, correlational analyses revealed significant associations between mindfulness and concentration, concentration and Tai Chi proficiency, and mindfulness and Tai Chi proficiency of Wushu specialty students. These findings underscore the importance of boosting mindfulness programs, developing strategies, and interventions aimed at improving concentration skills among student athletes, and implementing specialized training sessions and workshops focused on refining Tai Chi techniques and enhancing proficiency levels among Wushu students. Moreover, longitudinal or quasi-experimental studies should be conducted to further investigate the effects of mindfulness training, concentration enhancement strategies, and other related variables on Wushu specialty students.