Jūjutsu Tourism: Great Masters and Important Places

Abstract

Problem: Trips for jūjutsu/jujitsu studies do not only apply to the Japan. What is the specificity of jūjutsu tourism today? What are the characteristics of this type of martial arts tourism?Method: From the perspective of the General Theory of Fighting Arts, an attempt was made to describe and explain the indicated cultural phenomenon. The main method is the author's over 40 years of participant observation in the European and international jūjutsu environment. As is typical of the monographic method, various categories of sources and studies are also included.Results: A description and interpretation of today's travel conditions for practical jūjutsu studies were presented. Examples of famous masters, schools and dōjōs, and other important places are provided. Certain institutions and cyclical events are the driving force of this type of tourism.Conclusions: Jūjutsu tourism is currently multipolar. Trips to masters or to national and international training workshops depend on the location of the organization and the specific master. In search of practical knowledge, students follow masters who are not always of Japanese origin.