“The ‘double sinawali’ of learning and striking the stick with purpose”: Exploring the relationship between individual interest and study engagement in the indigenous martial art of Arnis

Joseph Lobo

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2723

Authors

Joseph Lobo Bulacan State University, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2553-467X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2723

Keywords:

Arnis, higher education, individual interest, study engagement, intersectionality, physical education

Abstract

This study examined the association between individual interest and study engagement in Arnis-based physical education within the higher education context. Anchored in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), it investigated three factors of individual interest: positive effect and willingness to reengage (PAWR), stored-utility Value (SUV) and stored attainment value and knowledge-seeking intentions (SAVKSI). A cross-sectional survey of university students was analyzed using multiple regression. Results showed that SAVKSI had the strongest positive association with engagement, followed by SUV, while PAWR did not demonstrate a significant link. These findings indicate that in culturally rooted, skill-intensive PE contexts, personal importance and knowledge-oriented goals are more strongly associated with sustained engagement than enjoyment alone. The study offers theoretical, pedagogical, cultural and policy implications, reinforcing the value of integrating indigenous martial arts into higher education PE to enhance motivation and preserve cultural heritage.

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Author Biography

Joseph Lobo, Bulacan State University, Philippines

is an Assistant Professor IV and Research Coordinator at the College of Sports, Exercise and Recreation, Bulacan State University. His research focuses on individual interest, motivation and student engagement in movement-based education, with numerous publications in Scopus-indexed journals. He also serves as Head of the University Journal Publications Office and is an active member of national research networks in Physical Education and Sports Science. His scholarly work advances culturally responsive pedagogy and learner-centered approaches in higher education.

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