Motivation and Fascination Categories of Japanese Karateka and Jūdōka

Titel Motivation and Fascination Categories of Japanese Karateka and Jūdōka

Autor*innen Martin Meyer & Heiko Bittmann

Zitationsvorschlag

Meyer, M., & Bittmann, H. (2019). Motivation and Fascination Categories of Japanese Karateka and Jūdōka. Journal of Martial Arts Research, 2(2), 30. https://doi.org/10.15495/ojs_25678221_22_129

Abstract

The German WMA-project (»Why Martial Arts?«) was initiated by Meyer’s (2012) research
on motivation and fascination of German karateka. Eventually, several sub-studies were
conducted to analyse motivation and fascination in various martial arts styles profoundly,
like jūdō (Liebl & Happ, 2015), taiji (Kuhn, 2016), krav maga and wing chun (Heil, Körner &
Staller, 2017). By granting a fellowship, the JSPS supported a six-month project to transmit
the research question to Japanese karateka and jūdōka.
From June to October 2017, 105 karateka and 123 jūdōka were interrogated. The results
demonstrate that the motivation and fascination categories of Japanese jūdōka and karateka
share many similarities. Huge differences are although observed in the importance of
several motives. Regarding fascination, there are some martial-art-specific characteristics
which contribute to their respective appeal, like the delight of throwing opponents and the
possibility to throw bigger opponents (jūdō) or core principles as motion sharpness and
simplicity (karatedō).
In comparison to German karateka resp. jūdōka, two motives are remarkably important for
Japanese: to become stronger (強くなるため) and to learn respectful manners (礼儀作法を
学ぶため).