CAUSES OF PROPENSITY FOR ELITE ATHLETES IN UNIVERSITIES TO TAKE UP KARATE AND THEIR EXPECTATIONS

This study aims to find out the causes of propensity for elite athletes in universities in Turkey to take up karate branch, their expectations and reasons of involvement. A survey method was used in the study. The population for the study was made of elite students in universities engaged in karate. The measurement instrument was administered to 97 students. Data obtained from the survey was tested by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskall-Wallis test. Elite athletes in karate branch in universities indicated that their families had more influence on their decision to take up this branch. Elite athletes in universities indicated that teachers of physical education and the press media have had almost no influence on their decision. Athletes considered the enjoyment of success as an important reason for engaging in karate, while joining a group of friends easily was considered unimportant. It was found that athletes in the national karate team had higher expectation than those not in the national team for enjoyment of success, obtaining material gains and being famed nationwide. It was further found out that as the length of time of involvement in karate increased, the desire increased for obtaining material gains, becoming famed, becoming a trainer, a referee, being famed nationwide, enjoying success and getting in the national team.