IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Aim. From the perspective of the “humanistic theory of martial arts” [Cynarski 2004, 2006a] and the “general theory of fighting arts” [Cynarski, Sieber 2012] the author tackles the problem of the main directions of changes and institutional development of karate in Europe. He puts forward a hypothesis that sportification is not a dominant direction of changes in karate.
Method. Three complementary test methods for qualitative analysis were used: an analysis of subject matter literature; long-term participatory observation and the method of competent judges / expert courts.
There were five questions to karate experts (prepared in 3 languages).
1. What is the main purpose of the karatedō?
2. What are the trends in karate (in Europe)?
3. How is karate spreading – how many people are participating in different countries?
4. What is the percentage of people participating in sports karate (for competitions)?
5. How compatible is the karate now practised in your country with its Japanese and Okinawan origins?
There were answers from 7 experts from Europe, all holders of the highest ranks 8-10 dan in different varieties (styles, schools, organisations) of karate / karatedō.
Results. The institutionalisation of karate includes the creation of: organisations, new schools and regulations (e.g. concerning sports, fighting and arbitration), the teaching methods adopted and promotion through the ranks, the granting of licences to instructors and referees, promotion to higher sports classes, etc. This leads to the establishment of new schools, most of which are inauthentic or eclectic. Many experts point out that sports rivalry is contrary to the spirit of karatedō. Some emphasise the teaching of real self-defence, whereas others stress the educational meaning of participation. Karate has been known in Europe for approximately sixty years and its sports formula, for the different varieties, has been developing alongside its practice. There is a large organisational breakdown, even within the framework of the same styles and also a clear trend to modernise “old” karate. Sportification of karate is not the only nor the most important change in European karate. It covers only a part of that area. Other trends in change concern the cultivation of old traditions, the modification of teaching and the progressive commercialisation (in recreational karate and services related to it).
Conclusion. Generally, we can distinguish: 1) a “pedagogical” or “humanistic” approach, where karatedō is a way of improving one’s personality; 2) the recreational treatment of practising karate, and 3) a concentration on the utilitarian values of karate and the fight as an expression of the cult of power or for the need of safety.