Discipline in practice and study: A cross-sectional study on grit and academic engagement in combat sport athletes

This study explores the dual role of grit, physical and academic grit in influencing academic engagement among student combat sports athletes. While previous research emphasizes grit within either academic or athletic domains, few studies have examined how these two dimensions interact to affect educational outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to examine the predictive role of physical education grit, specifically physical and academic grit, on academic engagement. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 496 student combat sports athletes (M = 19.45; SD = 1.89) from various state colleges and universities in the Philippines. Participants were selected through random sampling and completed validated instruments: the Physical Education Grit Scale (PE-GRIT), which includes physical and academic grit subscales, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-9), which measures vigor, dedication, and absorption. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and multiple regression techniques. The results showed that both physical grit (β = 0.328, p < .001) and academic grit (β = 0.242, p < .001) were significant predictors of academic engagement. These findings suggest that grit developed through combat sports practice extends beyond the physical domain and positively influences students’ academic behaviors. Thus, physical education grit plays a crucial role in enhancing academic engagement by fostering discipline, persistence, and resilience. Combat sports training may serve as a valuable intervention that supports both physical development and academic success.