Motivation and Fascination Categories of Japanese Karateka and Jūdōka

Abstract

The WMA research project (»Why Martial Arts?«) conducted several substudies in Germany to analyse motivation and fascination categories in various martial arts styles, like karatedō (Meyer, 2012; Kuhn & Macht, 2014) jūdō (Liebl & Happ, 2015), taiji (Kuhn, 2016), krav maga and wing chun (Heil, Körner & Staller, 2017). In this follow-up study, we asked 105 Japanese karateka and 123 jūdōka about their motivation and fascination. The results show several differences between both groups, regarding the importance of motives. Characteristics or principles which are unique for karatedō/ jūdō contribute much to its fascination. Participants mentioned core principles like motion sharpness and simplicity (karatedō) or the possibility to defeat bigger opponents (jūdō) and feelings like the joy of throwing opponents. Both groups share the importance for two motives, which seem to be especially important for Japanese: to become stronger and to learn respectful manners.