Martial arts tourism - a new look (from the perspective of the organizer of thirty one summer camps)

Abstract

Problem: The issue concerns summer camps that have been organized by one association for many years. Research questions are: 1) What is this type of tourism? 2) What is the main attraction that attracts participants? 3) How has the participation in these summer training camps changed over the years? Method: The participant observation is the basic qualitative method used here.. The issue also concerns participation in the international martial arts environment and tourism implemented in this environment, whether they are visitors or organisers. To conduct this study, we analysed Waga i Miecz, a local monthly magazine published between 1993 and 2022, and the author's own trips related to martial arts tourism from 1989 to 2020. Results: There was a stabilization when it comes to walking and the choosing the place of the camp. Training intensity reduced and competitive workouts transitioned to recreational activities.. Resignation from sports competition decreased the number of participants (by about 50-60%). The training is conducted by the same, increasingly older master-teachers. Conclusions: Changing the nature of the camp to a recreational one resulted in the participation of whole families. Nevertheless, the champions are still the main attraction. What also counts is the tourist attractiveness of the destination and social considerations – interpersonal relations in the group of participants.