Martial Arts Studies Research Articles

Movements that Matter: How Martial Arts Studies Can Reframe the Ethics of First-Blush Empathy

If empathy is how bodies resonate with one another, and ethics is what we are meant to do with that resonance, consideration of the ethics of empathy must begin with the split-second, non-conscious resonance between bodies: first-blush empathy. By combining the expertise of academics and practitioners of bodily knowledge, martial arts studies can distinctively consider how to cultivate the most ethical responses to others. This disciplinary argument takes physical form through a reading of a practice from Shotokan Aiki-karate-do that opposes hyper-attention to self or other with cultivated non-attention. To unpack these principles, the essay then uses philosophy of mind from to illustrate how attention provides a more compelling description of this initial bodily response to other bodies than intention. To most ethically engage others without imposing our own knowledge or self-absorption, we should cultivate deliberate habits of receptivity around first-blush empathy.

Digital Technology in the Transmission of Traditional Culture: A Case Study of Chinese Martial Arts

Digital Technology in the Transmission of Traditional Culture: A Case Study of Chinese Martial Arts

한국구비문학회 30년, 무가 연구의 성과와 과제

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Oral Literature Society, this study summarizes the research results in the field of shamanic songs over the past period. Shamanic songs are a part of a whole called shamanism. Therefore, we must understand the shamanic research flow within the overall flow of shamanic research, and within that flow, we can discuss the trends, characteristics, and achievements of research in the oral literature society. From this perspective, this study first organized the flow of shamanic research and how the scope and existence of shamanism, the subject of research, were recognized.
 Korean shamanic research began in the 1960s. Representative researchers were Seo Dae-seok, Kim Tae-gon, and Choi Gil-seong. Among them, Seo Dae-seok and Kim Tae-gon were scholars of Korean literature. Their research trends were clearly distinguished. While Seo Dae-seok made efforts to establish shamanism as 'literature', Kim Tae-gon conducted 'folk' research to understand shamanism in general. As the Korean Oral Literature Society was founded around Seo Dae-seok, the study of 'shamanic songs' as literature was the most central research trend. On the other hand, Kim Tae-gon's research trend is centered around the Folklore Societies and 'Association for Korean ShamanisticStudies'.
 『Oral Literature Studies』, the academic journal of the Korean Society of Oral Literature, has published 726 papers so far, of which about 120 are related to the study of shaman songs. These studies were divided into 1) Research on shamanistic Epics, 2) Comparative research with overseas narratives as oral narratives, 3) Research on shamanic songs other than shamanistic Epics, 4) Shamanic research using shamanic songs, and 5) Other research. They were organized. Consequently, the Oral Literature Society's research results in the field of martial arts over the past 30 years have emphasized the study of martial arts as literature and strengthened its differentiation from folk research. A clear line has been drawn in terms of academic identity. However, as a result, the focus on shamanistic Epics research and text analysis research without a basis for field research are pointed out as limitations. In addition to this, the researcher proposed to expand the research from the perspective of ritual language and expression (performance) beyond shamanic song.

Editorial: The Mirrored Maze of Martial Arts Studies: From Research Network to Scholarly Association

This editorial reflects on the status and development of martial arts studies as an academic field. It considers the differences between the notions of academic discipline and academic discourse. It suggests that the common metaphor of an academic ‘field’ is inappropriate for describing the terrain or topography of an academic discourse or discipline, and proposes that a better metaphor for describing this realm might be ‘mirrored maze’. After characterising this situation, the editorial recalls the recent history of the establishment of anglophone martial arts studies via the establishment and of the Martial Arts Studies Research Network. After almost a decade of development, the editorial announces the latest stage of the martial arts studies project: the creation of The Martial Arts Studies Association.

The amalgamation of eastern and western philosophies within Idokan Karate

Every school of the Japanese martial art of karate possesses special values and norms unique to its practice. Unsurprisingly, the philosophy of Idokan karate is therefore similar to other schools while remaining distinct in the myriad of martial art practices. Idokan karate possesses a practical philosophy (i.e., applicable to everyday life) influenced by Eastern and Western belief systems that are internalized and utilized by its practitioners as forms of today’s civilian warrior path. This single case study examines the prominent Idokan ethics, values, and rules as well as details its specific and symbolic content. It makes use of the hermeneutic phenomenology research method to present a content analysis of literature on Idokan within the wider discourse of martial arts studies. A broad discourse analysis of these topics in both scientific studies and popular publications was conducted. In doing so, this study’s practical implications are that it not only provides a glimpse into the uniqueness of Idokan karate philosophy but also into that of the vastness of the great martial arts menagerie. Idokan karate philosophy is derived distinctively from its founders’ understandings of Chinese and Japanese martial arts, Taoism, and Christianity and dictates practitioners a unique morality. Such teleology comes from special values, rules, and aims embedded in Idokan teachings. In normative ethics, the Decalogue and nobility of spirit (the Homo Creator Nobilis) are most important. Tao in Idokan is understood as God’s Word, the principle of love, and the way of (Christian) heaven.

Detailed review of development and study of martial arts by scientists: How does the truth differ from a television image

The research relevance is determined by the frequent distortion of reality in the modern world, especially on television, where an alternative reality is created, which helps convey the image to the largest possible audience. The image revealed is purposefully formed to affect the emotional and psychological state of the audience. In films, the conveyance of certain value patterns can often be seen, which reflects the educational functions of sports and martial arts, depicting socially approved patterns of behaviour. The study aims to review the development and study of martial arts on television by scientists. The primary research methods are comparative analysis, descriptive analysis, classification, induction and deduction, and generalisation of approaches, which were used to describe and highlight the main problems of reality and television images in martial arts. Aspects of the study of martial arts by scholars are disclosed in the article; the specifics and peculiarities of the image of athletes on television are analysed; the importance of image for athletes is described. A detailed analysis of the literature was conducted, and the content, characteristics and features of this phenomenon were clarified; audiovisual, program and plot methods of demonstrating a professional image on television have been found; the possibilities of using the image of athletes in advertising are shown; the tendencies of influence of sports programs on human psychology, idealisation of life and appearance are characterised. The study materials represent practical and theoretical value for athletes, students of physical disciplines and contestants in combat competitions, who are trying to achieve the ideal and set an example for the younger generations. The information is valuable for specialists in the field of media influence on a person and his psychology, able to explain in more detail the process of perceiving an image from television

Minang Folklore of Pencak Arts to Strengthen Mental Health in Indonesian Muslim Society

Pencak silat is one of Indonesia's cultural identities, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Apart from being a martial arts defence, Pencak silat also contains the values of local wisdom textually and contextually. Pencak silat in Indonesia comes from 2 regions: Minangkabau (West Sumatra) and Cimande (West Java). This research discusses the study of martial arts as a medium of self-defence and traditional educational media in Minangkabau, West Sumatra. A Minangkabau youth must learn martial arts and learn to read the Quran in a mosque (surau) as a provision for a man who has grown up if he wanders to other areas. The Minangkabau community in ancient times had two important educational institutions, namely surau and sasaran silat. Location of Surau (masjid) and sasaran silat usually side by side. In surau, young people learn to read the Al-Quran and religious knowledge, while in sasaran silat, they learn martial arts and various arts. Islamic teachings during the Minangkabau community have succeeded for generations in supporting the philosophy of life: 'adat bersandi syara'- syara' bersandi kitabullah'. This philosophy has been ingrained since birth, strengthening the mental health of youth and coloured in the daily life of the Minangkabau people. In other words, the embodiment of Islamic culture folklore minang can be seen in the life of the Minangkabau people. This made Minangkabau martial arts develop and spread in various parts of Indonesia.

How Can Martial Artists Draw Upon Pope John Paul II’s Lectures on Theology of the Body to Inform Their Practice?

Martial arts are usually relegated to the sphere of sport and often lost within the trappings of combat. In recent times, scholars have taken an interest in martial arts studies and explored how the psychosomatics of embodied practice reveals knowledge about culture and social phenomena. Commentators from within psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy have spoken broadly about human connection through martial arts. However, little has been researched in theology that links spiritual teaching to the lived experience of martial arts practice. This article aims to illumine a theology that may inform the practice of martial arts. To that, I turn to Karol Wojtyla and his seminal work on Theology of the Body. I will present two key aspects; 1) that the Christian ethic may inspire fresh insights into an alternate practice of martial arts. 2) in the light of a body theology, martial arts may be viewed as a practice that supports human flourishing.

THE CONCEPT OF CENTER IN AIKIDO STUDY

The article analyzes the concept of “center” in the context of aikido and other oriental martial arts. It is determined that the category of center in aikido completely coincides with the definition of the general center of gravity in general physiology. That once again proves the practical effectiveness of techniques used in aikido, as well as the important positive impact of aikido practice on harmonizing the interaction of right and left-brain hemispheres, balance of psycho-emotional state and improvement of general health and well-being. The state of physical culture and sports activities of Aikido athletes is revealed, which is seen as a syncretism of external (physical, social) and internal (emotional, mental, volitional, independent) multifaceted work, which, although not a competitive and stimulating system, but aimed at long term of study and comprehension, without age requirements. It was found that a deeper understanding by aikido practitioners of the basic and key concepts of the presented martial art contributes to a better understanding of the biophysical basis of techniques, ukemi and tai sabaki movements, which increases the level of preparation for the certification. In addition, it was found that understanding and using the work of the center has a significant positive impact in the study of other martial arts, including judo, iaido, jodo, hand-to-hand combat, and even in teaching acrobatics elements. The authors of this article, based on their own experience of Aikido practice and its teaching, as well as other disciplines in the field of physical culture and sports, provide a generalized and diverse vision of the concept of “center” to better master key concepts, awareness effective and wide application of theoretical knowledge gained in training. We consider the results of the presented study to be especially significant for people of the second adulthood and older age who practice aikido [7]. It is possible because the use of the center can significantly reduce the load and joints of both upper and lower body, which not only allows practicing aikido even in old age, but also makes practice possible even in the presence of injuries or disabilities [8]. The results of the presented research are relevant both for martial arts schools and for any kind of sports and physical culture activities that involve interaction with a partner.

Framing Spirituality in Martial Arts: an Embodied Comprehension Through Phenomenology

Martial Arts Studies publishes the highest quality academic work on any aspect of martial arts studies. It aspires to stimulate and enrich the development of research and scholarship in martial arts studies by publishing the highest quality interdisciplinary work in the emergent field.

‘Have the Highest Righteous Fencer in Your Mind’s Eye’: Medieval Martial Ethic as a Conceptual Repository for Just War Theory

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Tailored Forms of Taiji for Depression

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Translating Chinese Traditional Culture into institutional Sport: An ethnographic study of taijiquan in China

Martial Arts Studies publishes the highest quality academic work on any aspect of martial arts studies. It aspires to stimulate and enrich the development of research and scholarship in martial arts studies by publishing the highest quality interdisciplinary work in the emergent field.

Analysis of the Influence of Age Stages on Static Plantar Pressure Indicators for Karate Do Practitioners (Preliminary Report)

The investigation aims at static examination and determination of differences for three age groups: under 13, 13–15 years old and over 15, all practitioners of the martial art karate do. This investigation occured at the level of the main parameters, measured using the FreeMed baropodometric platform and Free Step software by Sensor Medica: plantar surface areas, location of the pressure center (C) inside the support polygon, imbalances noticed at the level of the plantar areas, Pmax value, weight distribution on each foot and at the level of the rearfoot and forefoot areas, misalignments of the pressure centers of each foot, etc. Results: subjects under the age of 13 had the highest number of cases related to the off-centered positioning of the pressure center (C); the groups of those under 13 and over 15 years old located in most cases Pmax at the level of the left retropodal part, and those between 13–15 years old have a location on the dominant leg, at the level of the right retropodal part. The highest numbers of cases of normal bilateral leg are for the group under 13 years, and the other groups have a higher incidence of various plantar imbalances. The analysis of variance (F) identified only two situations in which the independent variable, “age stages,” significantly influences the resulting parameters, at the level of the non-dominant foot: forefoot_left_surface and total_left_surface. The data differences for the right/left pairs within each batch generate insignificant values of |Z| for most cases, with the superiority of the dominant foot parameters for the first two age groups, but in the case of the group over 15 years old, some results are atypical, with higher average values of left/non-dominant foot parameters in the following cases: total_left_Pmax, total_left_Pavg, rearfoot_left_load_percent, rearfoot_left_weight_ratio_percent. The comparison between the data pairs for all three batches (between the forefoot and rearfoot plantar areas) generated significant values of |Z| only for the area of the plantar surfaces. The older the subjects, the more obvious the plantar load on the forefoot area, which is similar to the results of some martial arts studies analyzed here, and is determined by the long use of the non-dominant foot as a support base, during kicks with the dominant one.

Distress Tolerance Imagery Training

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Editorial: Seeking a New 'Normal'

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Book Review：The Historical Sociology of Japanese Martial Arts by Raúl Sánchez García

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Self-Defence with a Walking-stick: Revisited

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Martial Arts in the Pandemic

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The influence of French gymnastics and military French boxing on the creation of modern karate (1867-1914)

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