Redefining a martial art as modern leisure: the primacy of entertainment motivation in adult taekwondo

Introduction As a traditional martial art, Taekwondo’s modern identity as a leisure activity for adults is increasingly contested, particularly in its country of origin. This study investigates this phenomenon by examining the motivational structure that underpins adult participation. Methods Focusing on the relationships between participation motivation, leisure satisfaction, and continuance intention, data from 233 adult practitioners in South Korea, consisting primarily of young male students, were analysed using a structural equation model (SEM). Results The findings reveal a significant shift in leisure values. It is observed that traditional motivations such as ‘self-development’ and ‘family’ orientation were excluded during the measurement validation phase, which may indicate a reweighting of motivational structures or potential measurement adequacy issues within this specific cohort. Instead, while health and social motivations remain relevant, entertainment orientation emerges as the primary driver for both satisfaction and continued participation. Discussion This result challenges the conventional understanding of discipline-focused activities within leisure studies, suggesting that the pursuit of fun and enjoyment is becoming a central tenet even in traditional practices. The findings suggest the possibility that prioritizing experiential and hedonic aspects may be necessary to ensure the sustained relevance of such activities among specific demographics, such as young adult practitioners.