Abstract This paper discusses Japanese martialarts with an emphasis on Budo and the main purpose of Budo. The paper discusses the history and philosophy of Japanese martialarts and takes a look at its three main branches.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses today's martialarts. The writer looks at this form of unarmed combat that is associated with Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. The writer points out that it may be argued that in their incarnation in contemporary North America as sport, these martialarts have lost the underlying philosophical and cultural roots that gave them their fundamental identity.
From the Paper "When one speaks of martial arts today one conceives of unarmed combat in a context pervaded by Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. Despite different countries of origin - whether it be China (kung-fu), Japan (akido, judo, karate) or Korea (tae kwon do) - these martial arts have all been closely associated with the rich Asian philosophical and cultural traditions that gave them birth."
Abstract This paper examines the Taoist principles of abiding by the yin or abiding by the soft. Specifically, in Taoism, this means that one should favor approaches that are flexible and adaptive rather than rigid and forceful. The essay uses the martialarts as examples of this principle at work in human endeavors, specifically drawing on examples from kung fu and aikido.
From the Paper "Abiding by the Soft in the Martial Arts On the surface, one of the hardest principles to understand in Taoism is the idea that individuals should favor the yin principle in their lives, or, rather, that they should abide by the soft. Conceptually it is rather counter-intuitive, especially in Western culture, which often favors strength and brashness over subtlety and finesse. But that is the basis for the point that Lao Tzu was making when he advised fellow Taoists to abide by the soft. It is the idea that all actions will eventually be dominated by the yin principle. Taoism is built on this assumption. While this can seem complicated to understand, it is nevertheless apparent in many human endeavors. Specifically, I will draw on examples from the martial arts to illustrate just how abiding by the soft can be especially useful in mastering those skills."
Abstract This paper looks into the parallels between actor training in the Peking and Beijing Opera and the training for Chinese martialarts. The paper consults historical and present day material in an attempt to make meaning of the training requirements for these two different, yet very closely related, artistic expressions of form, method, technique, and performance. The paper discovers that much more is involved than simply repetitious physical training and indeed that without the alignment of mind and body, the performer simply will not and cannot realize true mastery or excellence of performance.
Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Elements of the Beijing Opera
The Importance of Symbolism in the Beijing Opera
The Music of the Beijing Opera
Spoken Dialogue of the Beijing Opera
Use of Color in the Beijing Opera is Symbolic
I. The Beijing/Peking Opera and Training Requirements and Regimen Examined
II. David Wright - Experiential View of Training Requirements for Beijing Opera
III. Chinese MartialArts Training Examined
Different Classification of Wushu
Ten Fundamental Skills in Chinese MartialArts Mental Skills Practice
IV. Examination of Similarities in MartialArts and Beijing Opera Training
Characteristics of the Beijing Opera - Excess, More is More
V. Findings of this Study of the Similarities Shared by Chinese MartialArts and Opera Training and Performing Skills
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Physical training for these performers is "structured around repetition" (Wright, 2000) and "over the course of the workshop a range of key movement patterns were developed and refined in this way." According to Wright: "The movements would be demonstrated, the actors would copy movements and then repeat them..." over and over, and then over again. Wright relates that "Further movements and combinations of movements and developments upon movements would then be introduced. Repetition was used, not simply to get the movement right, the repetition of physical action is regarded in the Peking/Beijing Opera, according to Sussman, as a way of absorbing information. She states that there is a deliberate attempt, in this training, not to engage the actor in thought. The actor needs only to 'learn' the action in order to repeat it. Hence, the principal form of learning is the learning of the body. The body learns, then contains the information that comprises the style and the role and therefore the performance. It is the body that enters most fully into the research. And as the body learns, the body changes as a result of that learning. " (Wright 2000)"
Tags: repetitious, practice, sound, expression, rhythm, gesture, movement, body
Abstract This paper discusses that martialarts not only is the art of warfare but also has a philosophy based in an elaborate blend of ancient codes of conduct, ethics and a spirituality that appears to be a fusion of Daoism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism. This paper states that, making the leap from East to West, this merger of physical and spiritual mastery has become a booming industry in the U.S. resulting in action films and T.V. shows that, besides being a series of highly choreographed fight scenes, also conveys ethical messages, codes of conduct and spiritual direction. The author is concerned that many people are being exposed to the martialarts without any ethical grounding at all; thus a generation is learning the physical aspects of the martialarts without the ethical or spiritual code that has historically been taught alongside it and has no concept of how to take the right action in the face of a dilemma, of delayed gratification or of respect to others.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of the Kung Fu Film
Bruce Lee and His Successors
MartialArts in Film and on Television Today
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bruce Lee has been credited as the one who officially brought martial arts to the film industry in the United States. Although born in San Francisco, Lee spent most of his childhood making films in Hong Kong and did not return to the U.S. until he was 18 years old. Thus, he began to develop and teach Jeet Kune Do ("way of the intercepting fist") and to infuse his philosophy into the films he was in, "which was his ultimate goal in movie-making". Unable to break through the racial barrier in Hollywood, Lee went back to Hong Kong to become a superstar there. Only after achieving success did Hollywood notice him, resulting in "Enter The Dragon" (1973), the only Hollywood-backed film he would star in."
Abstract This research paper summarizes and analyzes the historical development of martialarts in China. The paper explores the history of the artform as a product of the confluence and interaction of many religious, philosophical and practical influences dating back to ancient times. Included in the topics are the Chinese classical approach to warfare and military tactics, Daoist thought, Buddhism and various more modern syntheses of martialarts theories, including the teachings of the monks.
Contents:
Chinese Military Realities and Classical Theories
Daoist Thought
Buddhism
Consolidation of MartialArts Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The martial arts in practical terms formed the basis for the training of Chinese for combat which in turn was influenced strongly by the nature and realities of warfare as it was practiced in ancient times and recounted by Chinese historians. Most of those histories related to civil wars between contending power factions, later to the wars which established China's first longlasting unified dynasty, the Han (B.C. 202-A.D. 221), and the wars fought by the Han against barbarians from Central Asia."
Tags: chinese, buddhism, buddha, dao, dynasty, tao, asian, form
Abstract The philosophy of the martialarts as a merge of physical and spiritual mastery. History of Kung Fu films in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Films of Wong Fei Hong. Impact of Bruce Lee. Other actors such as Brandon Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal. Current martialart films and TV.
From the Paper "Introduction
Martial arts is simply defined as the arts of warfare (de Castro, Orpeza & Rhodes, 1993; Ross, 1999). For example, in Japan, while samurai were engaged in swordplay, karate-do ("way of the empty hand,") was secretly taught to weaponless peasants for self-defense (de Castro, et. al., 1993). Tae kyon ("push shoulder") in Korea, as well as Kali in the Philippines, were outlawed by conquering nations desiring a defenseless population (1993). In fact, General MacArthur outlawed the Greater Japanese Martial Arts Association and banned martial arts in Japanese schools at the conclusion of WWII (Neide, 1995). Such deliberate prohibition assumes that the study of the martial arts is synonymous with combat training.
A closer look, however, reveals an art that has a philosophy..."
Abstract The paper explains that martialarts, in addition to being an excellent form of physical exertion, offers a protected environment through which children are taught the fundamental values of honor and discipline as well as respect, obedience, motivation and self-esteem. The paper outlines the proposed study and discusses how implementing martialarts into the learning establishments encourages positive behavior, courteous, responsible and disciplined students.
Outline:
Statement of the Problem
Introduction
Theoretical Rational
Operational Definition
Significance of the Study
Limitation of the Study
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "Teenagers and late preteens, who tend to view the world from a more simplistic perspective, generally see and understand things in a black and white format. Consequently, during the psychological and hormonal changes that are so prevalent during this age group, a change of perception brings about the realization that there may be more depth to the world than previously believed. This shift in perception can, therefore, bring about confusion and anger, specifically when children may not have the guidance and positive influence that is so much needed during this difficult transition period. If this aggression and confusion has no valid outlet, it can stem into a range of psychological disorders, including sometimes-violent outbursts and depression."
Abstract Summary & analysis of historical development of martialarts in China. Religious & philosophical influences. Use by military for combat training. Classical theories of the importance of moral factors, solidarity & discipline. Moder pragmatic outlook. Daoist thought & exercises. Buddhism's emphasis on self-defense. Consolidation of basic theories. Development of shadow boxing.
From the Paper "Historical Development of Chinese Martial Arts
This research paper summarizes and analyzes the historical development of martial arts in China. The form and content of martial arts in China has been the product of the confluence and interaction of many religious, philosophical and practical influences dating back to ancient times. The most important influences have been the Chinese classical approach to warfare and military tactics, Daoist thought, Buddhism and various more modern syntheses of martial arts theories, including the teachings of the monks of the Shaolin Monastery during and after the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) and the Taijiquan classics during the time of the Qing or Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911).
Chinese Military Realities and Classical Theories
The martial arts in practical terms formed the basis for the..."
Abstract This paper is on Asian marital arts. Modern definitions of martialarts emphasize either psychological maturation or skill acquisition. Although participation in Asian martialarts has gained a measure of popularity in North America. Research on martialarts participation in North American and European settings indicates personality and motivational factors can influence selection of a martialart as a sport and fitness endeavor.
This paper reviews the book "Training the Body for China" by Brownell, which presents the practices, objects and activities of Chinese sports and material arts.
Abstract This paper discusses that, unlike Western sports, Chinese sports and martialart are developed based on religious beliefs; in China, sports are based on two native religions, Taoism and Confucianism. The author reviews Susan Brownell's "Training the Body for China" in which she shares her studies of Chinese Olympic sports and martialarts. For example, the author point out that, in sport, Chinese culture employs self-disciplinary actions to deal with misbehavior to sustain order, a value of Confucianism.
From the Paper "One of the beliefs Confucianism values is the importance of family; this notion is also the linkage between Confucianism and the practices Chinese sports. One of ethical lessons Confucianism teaches is Hsiao, which signifies love within family; this notion is also apparent in Chinese sports. According to Brownell, there has been a phenomenon of developing family-funded sports clubs and village-based associations among Chinese. Having family-funded sport clubs consisting family members as players clearly indicates how Confucianism value has become a part of Chinese life and sports."
Abstract This paper is on Korean conventional martialart, "Tae Kwon Do". It explains how Tae Kwon Do, is practiced by more than a half of the population (not accurate) of Korea and Japan is one of the strongest and most effective martialart for self-defense. It also compares martialarts weaknesses with Tae Kwon Do with, and by illustrating at least two other countries' martialarts' weaknesses, it explain why "Tae Kwon Do" is superior than other martialarts and why it is one of the strongest and most effective martialarts today. It also includes how "Tae Kwon Do" is one of the strongest martialart and at the same time, one of the easiest arts to practice.
Abstract Taekwondo is a Korean martialart with a relationship to ancient Korean martialarts, that is also cultural with philosophical underpinnings. Through the practice of a martialart, a person's spiritual and philosophical perspective may also be developed. It is this dual aspect of Taekwondo, and of martialarts in general, that is examined in relation to the human aging process and why, through routine practice of Taekwondo, an individual may also achieve various levels of improved performance, physical and mental, throughout the entire human aging process.
From the Paper "Taekwondo as a martial art consists of various components that make it attractive to all age groups and all ability levels: it is a group activity-providing socialization skills, it teaches self-defense skills as well as self-awareness skills, it provides an exciting outlet to competitive individuals as a way to measure themselves against other practitioners, and it has a spiritual and philosophical body of knowledge such as meditation, Confucian ideology, as well as a distinct Asian inclination towards Buddhism's ascetic sensibilities."
Abstract Comprehension of Confucius's ideas opens the door to understanding the philosophical reasoning of other Chinese principles, such as the martialart known as Kung Fu. The paper shows the message that seems to be extolled in "gong fu", or Kung Fu, is that there is a way, path, or message that, if followed, will lead to happiness and Heaven. This is a Buddhist philosophy and an integral component to the disciplines of Zen Buddhism, as well as the martialart of Shaolin Kung Fu. The paper explains that, while Kung Fu is considered a martialart, and, as such, deals with the physical realities of learning to defend oneself, it is also a component of a spiritual or religious sect. It shows, therefore, that the tenets of Confucianism cannot be separated from the art of Kung Fu.
From the Paper "It is only by going 'outside oneself' that a person is able to overcome the restrictions of suffering and to reach Nirvana. Kung Fu embraces an understanding of reason, modeled on the natural world, which equates spiritual attainment with the successful manipulation of nature and natural phenomenon."
Abstract This paper explores the origins and evolution of Tae Kwon Do as a martialart from its creation in Korea and speculates on why it has become one of the most practiced forms of martialarts in the world. It also examines the philosophical, spiritual and physical nature of this martialart through the five tenets and how those tenets might be reflected in everyday practice both nationally and internationally.
Outline:
Introduction
The Belts
The Five Tenets
The Ten Commandments
Real-World Use of the Five Tenets
From the Paper "Tae Kwon Do evolved originally from Soo Bak Do, which was practiced as a sport, which had rules that were very detailed as well as being a form of martial arts. The study of Soo Bak Do was supported by the Royal family and the more skilled one was in the art the more likely the individual to receive a promotion in either military or civil service work. Tae Kwon Do originated from Korea and during the occupation by Japan Tae Kwon Do was not openly practiced because it was forbidden therefore students were taught by masters in secret contributing to the various forms of Tae Kwon Do. "
