Abstract - The 8th Conference of IMACSSS, Viseu, Portugal as a scientific event, including its importance for research into fighting arts and for martial arts tourism
Problem. The first goal of this paper is to describe and evaluate the Conference as a scientific event including digressions based on knowledge of certain national traditions and related insights. Next, the authors attempt to answer the research question, as to the reasons why specialists travel to and attend similar meetings, i.e, the features which attract them. More specifically, to what extent is it the charm of the place or the consideration for those persons hosting the event? In answering these questions, what results do the analysis of photographic material suggest?
Methods. The authors have adopted visual sociology as a method of qualitative analysis, analyzing 14 selected photos. Furthermore, these researchers have employed participant observation, and the analysis of broad discourse as recommended in the General Theory of Fighting Arts.
Result. Photo analysis confirms the preservation of the scientific standards of the event, and at the same time the event’s fixed, specific character. The scientific goal of the Conference was clearly dominant, with many unsolicited factors influencing the attendance or absence of participants. Instead, the symbolism of the place, ritual roles and functions, scientific discourse, cultural dialogue, and the social dimension of such gatherings in terms of the integration of its membership, were the features typical of scientific and congress tourism, in evidence at the Conference.
Conclusions. This paper presents the factography of a fighting arts research event, namely the 8th Conference of IMACSSS. The authors evaluate the event to have been a success, achieving a high level of accomplishment by scientific standards. The Novum for this conference consisted of: 1) discussion panels concerning individual sub-disciplines; 2) reports on little-known old Polish martial arts traditions; and 3) exchange of the latest knowledge, the results of empirical research from various scientific centers. The locations and dates of the next two IMACSSS conferences have already been determined.