Martial Arts Tourism of the “Europe—Far East” Direction, in the Opinion of Grand Masters

Abstract

Martial arts tourism is a form of cultural, sports and educational tourism that requires special recognition; particularly important is knowledge about martial arts. The sources of this practical knowledge are especially high-ranking masters. The scientific problem raised here involves the issue of high-ranking martial arts teachers taking trips for their own studies (to acquire knowledge and skills) and teaching others. Some of the questions addressed include how often the trips occur (single, sporadic, or multiple, regular), what their effects are, and what their meaning is—in the opinion of these experts. The “Martial Arts Tourism” questionnaire was addressed to N = 12 people, masters/teachers of high-rank in martial arts (level 7–10 dan/toan) who live and teach in Europe and the USA, but come from Europe. They are the holders of the highest degrees in Chinese, Japanese and Korean styles. Further questions were asked through direct correspondence. The collected statements were usedby means of qualitative analysis—as in the method of ‘expert courts’/’competent judges’. The respondents in most cases undertook trips from Europe to East Asia for their own learning. They teach themselves mainly in their own countries and in Europe. Stays rarely lasted over two weeks. The respondents are convinced of the legitimacy of this type of trip, and believe that the trips are very helpful on the way to mastery. None of the respondents mentioned the material forms of cultural heritage pertaining to martial arts as motives for the trips. Therefore, the ability to visit historic places is a marginal concern. The trips were directly linked to a career path and self-improvement in martial arts, learning or teaching.