Martial arts – enactment of aggression or integrative space?

Abstract

CS For the purpose of this presentation – and in keeping with the spirit of this conference – we will adopt the format of a scripted dialogue, where each of us will speak from a particular perspective. Mine is as a practitioner of martial arts. As a young man I studied Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido, and for many years now I have been learning Kendo, or Japanese fencing. Kendo developed from sword fighting, which you may have seen portrayed in samurai films, such as those by Kurosawa (Seven Samurai). However, the purpose of Kendo is not to kill or maim your opponent but to pursue spiritual development and, therefore, since the eighteenth century practitioners have used bamboo swords and protective armour in order to avoid injury.