Chinese Martial Arts Changing Views And Practices
Download Chinese Martial Arts Changing Views And Practices PDF/ePub or read online books in Mobi eBooks. Click Download or Read Online button to get Chinese Martial Arts Changing Views And Practices book now. This website allows unlimited access to, at the time of writing, more than 1.5 million titles, including hundreds of thousands of titles in various foreign languages.
Chinese Martial Arts: Changing Views and Practices
Since ancient times, some observant people have made the revered Book of Change (Yijing) their lifelong study. Change is the fundamental principle found in every aspect of our lives. Change is the Way of the universe. Confucian and Daoist texts are filled with anecdotal and philosophic discourse related to this theme. There is little wonder why we find the concept of change in the diverse Chinese martial traditions. This anthology presents articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that are related to the theme of change. This does not mean that the authors are writing solely about philosophic ideas such as yin-yang, taiji, five phases (wuxing), or the eight hexagrams (bagua). From the content of these articles you will see how the views, needs, purposes and understandings of Chinese martial arts have changed over the centuries. By expounding on these themes, each author demonstrates how the actual practice of martial arts has changed in tandem with these fluctuating views. Supported by in depth research, interviews, and field experience, the nine articles included here offer us a view of Chinese martial arts from many angles. Of course effectiveness is one of the criteria for skills that are valued as being truely martial. To improve the effectiveness, some leading practitioners gained insights from nature, particularly from the animal kingdom. Also, in both ancient and modern times, Chinese practitioners borrowed from other styles. The concept of “mixed martial arts” is nothing new.There have been spinoffs to the warrior arts. Even centuries ago the martial arts were utilized in entertaining “flowery’ performances, as in Peking opera. The variety of martial movements were certainly conducive for good health so there is a long tradition of incorporating these in exercises practices solely for health and longevity. In the early twentieth century, martial arts became a political tool for boosting the spirit of country, vitalizing the “sick man of Asia.” Perhaps the most notable change in Chinese martial arts can be seen in the modern sportification of it. Motivated by rank, trophies, and money, the combative elements have been forsaken in favor of competition and show. Orignally practical, techniques have been transformed into pure acrobatics. This special anthology provides an encompassing overview of the development and variety of Chinese martial arts. You will come to appreciate the ancient roots and the forces that have influenced how and why these arts are practiced today.
The Best Fight: A Memoir of a Martial Art Practitioner, Publisher, and Author
Author: Michael DeMarco
language: en
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Release Date: 2023-10-10
A needle may draw a thread through printed pages to bind a book. In this little memoir, I feel like a needle that drew a common thread though a segment of martial art history. This book details three interrelated activities: (1) martial art studies, (2) involvement as founder of Via Media Publishing, producing a quarterly journal and books, and (3) teaching martial arts. Publishers, writers, researchers and serious martial art practitioners will benefit with the detailed overview of Via Media and its publications. Via Media produced the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, known for its high academic and aesthetic standards. Its contents reflect the history of two decades and provides rich information for practitioners and scholars, making The Best Fighta valuable reference work. In addition to reading, the primary way to learn a martial art is through instruction. In reading about my studies and teaching experience, readers can relate to their own involvement in martial arts. What is important here is the portrayal of my instructors, their teaching methods, and reasons for being involved in martial arts. Their accounts should offer insights and inspiration for others who study and practice any martial art.
Henning’s Scholarly Works on Chinese Combative Traditions
Author: Stanley Henning
language: en
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Release Date: 2018-03-09
What we think are Asian martial arts is usually derived by Hollywood images, fanciful novels, and a superficial idea of what role combatives played in the long histories of Far Eastern countries. There are only a few people in the world who can truly be called scholars in this field. A leading figure in the USA for the study of Chinese martial traditions is Stanley Henning. This special anthology is a collection of Henning’s superb articles that were previously published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, including one he co-wrote with Marnix Wells—a leading British scholar on Chinese martial traditions. Henning has little patience for those who miss the original essence of practical martial arts, and who fell under the enticement of “flowery boxing.” True combative arts are not play, although they influenced other practices. In the fifteen chapters included here, you’ll find a strong historic base for what the martial arts meant in old China and how they changed over the centuries. In order to understand martial arts as they were evolving over dynastic periods, it is necessary to look at the political and social settings, technology, and even geography and linguistics. When it comes to research, Henning presents clear facts and accurate conclusions. At the same time, he wisely states what is open to debate and requires further research. Why is the chapter on Korean martial arts included in this anthology?—Because the Chinese had tremendous influence on their neighbors, including Japan and Korea. Thanks to a few scholars like Henning and Wells, we are getting a clearer picture of just how much Chinese martial arts have influenced the fighting arts in other countries. Leading scholars are having an impact on how Asian martial traditions are perceived, understood, and practiced. Henning introduces the “new wave” of Chinese scholars who have presented their findings in various articles and books, opening new vistas for all interested in this growing field of study—at least for those who ready Chinese. Fortunately Henning’s work is in English! This anthology is not an easy read for those unfamiliar with Chinese history, the various dynasties, the terminology and variety of martial systems. However, it will no doubt benefit the serious scholar of Chinese martial arts, and hopefully others will likewise benefit by patiently reading each chapter to broaden their understanding of the rich martial culture of China.