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- Title
So You Want to be a Fighter? Institutional Work and Sport Development Processes at an Elite Mixed Martial Arts Gym.
- Authors
Woolf, Jules; Berg, Brennan K.; Newland, Brianna L.; Green, B. Christine
- Abstract
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a rapidly growing combat sport with unique development procedures unlike most traditional sports. In this study the development processes at an exemplar MMA gym were examined. Institutional work theory was used to understand how and why the sport is being developed in this setting. The results provide a microlevel account of the processes and operation of the sport as it develops, and indicate that traditional sport development models may not adequately represent all sports. Subcultural values reflecting what it takes to be a fighter along with a fighter's duty to the gym influence recruitment, retention, and transition strategies of athletes. Two forms of institutional work, refinement and barrier work, were identified as simultaneously aiding and hindering the development of the sport. Along with furthering institutional theory research, this study contributes to the discourse on alternative ways of sport development for MMA and emergent sports.
- Subjects
MIXED martial arts; GYMNASIUMS; SPORTS administration; SPORTS instruction; ATHLETE training; ORGANIZATIONAL behavior
- Publication
Journal of Sport Management, 2016, Vol 30, Issue 4, p438
- ISSN
0888-4773
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1123/jsm.2014-0301