Features of emotional intelligence of Сhinese and Russian student-athletes engaged in oriental martial arts

Emotional intelligence of athletes is considered as a condition for the success of sports activities therefore it is important to study the factors influencing its development. The purpose of the study was to study cultural differences in the development of emotional intelligence of Chinese and Russian student-athletes engaged in martial arts. The study involved 28 student-athletes, including 14 Chinese athletes, the average age of 20 years, the duration of sports (Wushu, Tai-Chi) is from 4 to 10 years, as well as 14 Russian student-athletes engaged in Wushu, Karate, Taekwando, Jiu-Jitsu the average age of 18 years, the duration of sports- from 4 years to 10 years. D. V. Lyusin's Emotional Intelligence test was used to study the level of emotional intelligence. The results of the emotional intelligence study have not revealed significant differences between athletes, but prove the presence of cultural differences affecting the development of emotional intelligence. It has revealed that intrapersonal emotional intelligence does not have strong individual differences in Chinese student-athletes, while Russian student-athletes have significant individual differences in this indicator. The data show that the Eastern sports culture has a greater influence on the development of intrapersonal emotional intelligence and control of the external manifestation of emotions. The obtained data require further research, since it reveals the role of cultural differences in the development of emotional intelligence of athletes.