2021, Volume 17, Issue 1
Barriers and motives for training combat sports
Kazimierz Witkowski1, Krzysztof Nieradko1, Wojciech Cieśliński1
1Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Author for correspondence: Kazimierz Witkowski; Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland; email: kazimierz.witkowski@awf.wroc.pl
Full text
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: The legitimacy of combat sports training, which unifies the ideas and values of martial arts, was assumed as the background of the work. Nowadays, martial arts can only survive thanks to combat sports. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the barriers and motives for training combat sports.
Material and Methods: Martial arts champions from Wrocław (N=15, including 13 men and 2 women) over 30 years of age were examined using the method of individual cases through an interview. They represented the following disciplines in which they have international and domestic sports successes as well as coaching experience: judo, kyokushin karate, Olympic karate, shotokan karate, kickboxing, sumo, Olympic taekwondo, wrestling.
Results: There are physical and mental barriers for combat sports arts that are created among young people during poorly conducted physical education classes. The motives for training combat sports include comprehensive psychophysical development and children’s inspirations drawn from pop culture.
Conclusions: Barriers to training combat sports are related to physical conditions and poorly organized physical education lessons. Meanwhile, the motives for training martial arts are related to high-level combat skills, and trends that are set by the media.
Key words: sociology of sport, physical training, mental training, martial arts, interview
