Martial arts and adolescents

Adolescence is always a thought-provoking and complex topic to discuss, which is why several studies have been conducted on this biopsychosocial phenomenon. At the same time, aggressive behaviors are also the subject of speculation and permeate the popular imagination under the mistaken idea that they are inherent traits of young people, which, however, may or may not be characteristic of this stage of life. Aggression in adolescence is considered risky behavior, related to interpersonal conflicts that end up strengthening aggressive impulses, which, when uncontrolled due to low self-control, can result in violent behavior, representing a psychosocial risk. In an effort to mitigate this problem, society offers means for adolescents to deal with their aggression, with sports, especially martial arts, being an excellent alternative for the development of personal control in young people. Given this reality, this manuscript aimed to investigate the pedagogical possibilities of martial arts practice by adolescents through a review of the literature.