# Methodology for Assessing Spatial Perception in Martial Arts
## 4 Discussion
Spatial skills include understanding the characteristics of two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms and recognizing the relationships between figures [44]. The test tasks provided in the \"Spatial Perception\" application indeed assess the ability to quickly recognize figures of different shapes in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces, thus confirming the construct validity of the proposed methodology for evaluating spatial perception. It should be noted that the results of the spatial perception assessment for the group of younger athletes (mean age: 11.5 years, SD = 2.02; qualification: 8 th-3 rd Gup) specifically reflect the abilities of these athletes to recognize static and dynamic visual stimuli. The data obtained for this group can be used to predict the sports performance of martial artists. The results of adult athletes (mean age: 18.2 years, SD = 2.40; qualification: 2 nd Gup-1 st Dan), who possess high sports qualifications, reflect their spatial skills. This information will be crucial in determining the individual typological characteristics of martial artists, such as when improving their competitive fighting style. The results of this study indicate that adult, qualified martial artists exhibit better spatial perception than unqualified athletes. This is related both to the age differences among the athletes studied and to their sports qualifications, which affect the level of visual-motor coordination. This suggests that the test exercise reflects differences in reaction speed and confirms that the provided methodology has criterion validity. Content validity is supported by the fact that the test exercise covers various aspects of spatial perception, specifically the reaction to 2D and 3D geometric shapes, the impact of dynamic changes in the position of shapes in space, and the reaction to distracting visual stimuli. These aspects reflect the key characteristics of spatial perception in conditions similar to those found in martial arts activities. In the second phase of the study, the features of spatial perception in martial artists of different ages and qualifications were identified (Tables 3 and 4). It is important to note that individuals employ different strategies for object recognition in space. In a study by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [45], four main strategies were identified. The first two were categorized as imaginative strategies (mental rotation and perspective), while the other two were classified as analytical strategies. It was also noted that some participants may use a combination of strategies. Similarly, in martial arts, athletes use various strategies to recognize the movements of their opponents. Based on interviews with experienced athletes, it was observed that they typically focus on the center of the opponent's chest and, through peripheral vision, detect changes in the position of the hands or legs. Peripheral vision plays a crucial role in martial arts [46]. Human perception requires more time to detect stimuli that are farther from the fixation point. The decline in peripheral vision function is explained by the physiological properties of the retina, as visual acuity rapidly decreases starting from \(5^{\circ}\) of the visual angle from the fixation point [47]. Research [1; 2; 48] has shown that athletes are not distinguished from non-athletes by visual function, but rather by visual \"software,\" meaning their ability to efficiently process and interpret visual information using various strategies acquired through practice. It was noted that during the test exercise presented by the application, more experienced martial artists focused on the center of the tablet screen. With this strategy, peripheral vision was sufficient to recognize simple shapes. However, when more complex visual stimuli were presented, athletes shifted their gaze to one of the shapes for more detailed recognition. Beginner martial artists, on the other hand, used a different strategy.