Abstract
This phenomenological study aimed to describe and understand the experiences of combative sports athletes in maintaining weight division in the face-to-face set-up. In addition, this study also wanted to know the coping strategies and mechanisms of combative sports athletes and their insights into maintaining weight division. This study involved fourteen (14) students, seven (7) of the 14 participants were subjected to an in-depth interview (IDI), while the remaining seven (7) took part in a focus group discussion (FGD). Purposive sampling was used to select participants; data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed six (6) major themes of the participants' experiences: acquisition of essential attributes, progress in health and wellness, negative feelings from weight loss struggles, issues in physical and mental health, issues with food management, and achievement of set goals. Moreover, the participants revealed their coping strategies and mechanisms to confront their challenges in maintaining weight resulting in the emergence of four (4) themes: employing self-help techniques, managing food and drink intake, seeking guidance from mentors, and acquiring practical and emotional support. Lastly, the participants shared their insights that revealed four (4) major themes: giving value to weight management, having a positive disposition, ensuring a healthy lifestyle, and advocating the importance of preparation. Regardless of the difficulties presented in maintaining weight division during the face-to-face set-up, combative sports athletes work hard to overcome the challenges and explore different strategies to achieve the set goal.
Keywords
athletes, combative sports, weight division, maintaining weight, weight management, experience, face-to-face set-up, phenomenological inquiry, qualitative research, Carmen District, Davao del Norte.
How to Cite:
Lyka E. Delos Reyes, Dominic M. Dizon , LIVED EXPERIENCES OF COMBATIVE SPORTS ATHLETES IN THE FACE-TO-FACE SET-UP: MAINTAINING WEIGHT DIVISION IN FOCUS , Volume 10 , Issue 11, november 2024, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) ,