Abstract - Barriers to the development of Far Eastern martial arts in selected areas of Central Europe
Background and study aim. The theoretical perspective for the analysis presented here consists of the sociology of sport and the humanist theory of martial arts. The aim of the research was to indicate the main barriers declared by practitioners of the different types of martial arts and combat sports in selected Central European countries. In particular the variables of place of training and variety of martial arts/combat sports have been taken into consideration. 6 research questions would need to be set in order to arrive at an answer to the problem as posed.
Material and methods. The diagnostic survey method has been used. The research has been conducted on a group of 500 people, out of whom N = 489 were accepted for further study. Selection of the samples for testing – purposeful samples of the people who train combat sports and martial arts in Germany, Poland and Slovakia societies, and British rugby players. N = 489, the age limit of respondents was 17-45.
Results. A great number of respondents (practicing judo, jujitsu and rugby) most often indicated the dangers of aggression and violence or of using the combat skill for illegal purposes. Practicing martial arts to show-off was most frequently emphasized by karatekas and aikidokas. The economic dimension has had a secondary meaning here.
Conclusions. Associating martial arts and combat sports with aggression and violence or fears about using them in this way dominate here. Moreover, the representatives of (non-competitive) martial arts have listed ‘sporting rivalry and competition’ as a negative phenomenon.