Combative activities (boxing, wrestling, kung fu, etc.) are seen as having a positive influence on alienated inner city youth. Potential contributions of such activities in a school curriculum or recreation program include involvement, security, self-concept, and self-realization. Participants may be able to free themselves from such stereotype roles as "Hard Guy,""Head Hanger," or "Con Artist." Alienated youth seem to be more interested in fighting skills based on martial arts than in other aspects of self-defense techniques. Zen Karate, a combination of karate, boxing, and wrestling, is seen as one effective technique in raising self- and other-awareness. Principles involved in developing martial arts programs include (1) student development from structure to freedom, (2) clearly established goals, and (3) concept awareness strategies. (MJB)