Changing in motivation for practising karate as individuals gain experience through training

Abstrakt

Background and Study Aim: Karate as a martial art invariably remains the object of attention for numerous individuals, young and old, who wish to explore its secrets. What is the motivation of those who select this martial art? Is it possible that with training, certain factors become weaker in importance while others become more weighty?
This article presents analyses of correlations of motivation in individuals practising karate at various levels of skill.
Material and Methods: The study group of karatekas consisted of 167 people between the ages of 15 and 52, with the average age of 25 ( 106 men and 61 women). The individuals displayed various levels of proficiency. The group referred to as beginners (64 people) were karatekas with lower student ranks: 9th-4th kyu as well as people with no rank. The advanced group (100 people) were those with higher student ranks (3rd-lst kyu) and master ranks (dan).
The participants in the study answered open questions relating to the factors which had helped them select a particular karate course. Moreover, they conducted a motivation analysis concerning their willingness to continue with karate, as well as an analysis of the perception of their behavioural change as influenced by the practice of karate.
Results: A change in motivation at particular levels of training was observed. As perceived by the participants, the role of acquaintances and relatives diminishes with time. As training progresses, a rise is discernible in the importance of that motive which stresses personal development. The motivational factor connected to self-defence loses its importance.
Conclusions: In the course of time, the importance of intrinsic motivation increases, while the importance of motives relating to external factors declines.