scholarly journals Book Review: Fighting For Honor: The History of African Martial Arts in the Atlantic World

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan McElroy

Dylan McElroy reviews Fighting for Honor: A History of African Martial Art Traditions in the Atlantic World, written by T. J. Desch-Obi.

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Jaquet ◽  
Claus Frederik Sørensen ◽  
Fabrice Cognot

Abstract Historical European martial arts (HEMA) have to be considered an important part of our common European cultural heritage. Studies within this field of research have the potential to enlighten the puzzle posed by past societies, for example in the field of history, history of science and technology, or fields related to material culture. The military aspects of history are still to be considered among the most popular themes of modern times, generating huge public interest. In the last few decades, serious HEMA study groups have started appearing all over the world – focusing on re-creating a lost martial art. The terminology “Historical European Martial Arts” therefore also refers to modem-day practices of ancient martial arts. Many of these groups focus on a “hands-on” approach, thus bringing practical experience and observation to enlighten their interpretation of the source material. However, most of the time, they do not establish inquiries based on scientific research, nor do they follow methodologies that allow for a critical analysis of the findings or observations. This paper will therefore propose and discuss, ideas on how to bridge the gap between enthusiasts and scholars; since their embodied knowledge, acquired by practice, is of tremendous value for scientific inquiries and scientific experimentation. It will also address HEMA practices in the context of modern day acceptance of experimental (or experiential) processes and their value for research purposes and restoration of an historical praxis. The goal is therefore to sketch relevant methodological and theoretical elements, suitable for a multidisciplinary approach, to HEMA, where the “H” for “historical” matters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morad Sabdullah Umpa

In Islām, there are four fundamental factors of social development and change – personality, tradition, accident, and people. The Qur'an says: "Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves [with their souls]. (Q-13:11). Therefore, the researcher's aim is assessing the integration of Islāmic values in the teaching of martial arts in the youth for them be good followers of Islām thru inculcation in their minds and their behavior the real sense of a true Muslim. Essentially, this study is descriptive, which aimed mainly to serve as an exposition on the Religion, Traditional Culture, and History of the Muslims in the Philippines and their implication relevance to martial arts. The various data collected through in-depth study, interview and observation showed that Islām prepares people to be a fruitful citizen in the society. It also aimed for the total development of man not only in the religious aspect. Thus, Martial arts play a vital role in Islām not just as a means of self-defense, but as a system of ethics. Man and fighting are by nature intimately related; in fact, history shows that they are inseparable. Locally, the Bangsamoro has a very rich historical foundation in martial arts that is directly derivable from the roots of Islāmic propagation. And as man became civilized, hand-to-hand fighting also became specialized and humanized and, gradually. Thus, the term martial art is recognized today as a specialized field of knowledge which should be inculcated together with education for the total development of the new generations leading to a society imbued with rich morality.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Jaquet ◽  
Claus Frederik Sørensen ◽  
Fabrice Cognot

Historical European martial arts (HEMA) have to be considered an important part of our common European cultural heritage. Studies within this field of research have the potential to enlighten the puzzle posed by past societies, for example in the field of history, history of science and technology, or fields related to material culture. The military aspects of history are still to be considered among the most popular themes of modern times, generating huge public interest. In the last few decades, serious HEMA study groups have started appearing all over the world – focusing on re-creating a lost martial art. The terminology “Historical European Martial Arts” therefore also refers to modem-day practices of ancient martial arts. Many of these groups focus on a “hands-on” approach, thus bringing practical experience and observation to enlighten their interpretation of the source material. However, most of the time, they do not establish inquiries based on scientific research, nor do they follow methodologies that allow for a critical analysis of the findings or observations. This paper will therefore propose and discuss, ideas on how to bridge the gap between enthusiasts and scholars; since their embodied knowledge, acquired by practice, is of tremendous value for scientific inquiries and scientific experimentation. It will also address HEMA practices in the context of modern day acceptance of experimental (or experiential) processes and their value for research purposes and restoration of an historical praxis. The goal is therefore to sketch relevant methodological and theoretical elements, suitable for a multidisciplinary approach, to HEMA, where the “H” for “historical” matters.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-64
Author(s):  
Marijana Maksimović

Japan is a capitalist country that puts profit at the center of the organization of industrial relations, but puts the "man" at the center of the organization of society and, accordingly, attaches great importance to human resources. Sport, as part of a healthy lifestyle, is one of the ways to promote longevity in Japan. In addition to many other elements, it contributes to a higher quality of life along with a particular diet. In Japan, stress is present because change is part of everyday life, and in the elimination of stress, it helps the sport as part of a healthy approach to life. Japan has a very long history of traditional martial sports and that are part of the budo, namely: judo, kendo, kyudo, sumo, karate-do, aikido, shorinji kempo, naginata, and jukendo. The very English term "martial arts" implies both martial sports and martial arts, though the two terms are distinguished. For example, a traditional martial sport is sumo, a martial arts is aikido, while karate is both a sport and a martial art. The main difference between martial sports and martial arts is that martial sports have competitions and firm rules in line with which athletes compete, while the arts have no contests and competition rules, but rather respect the principles of the martial art itself. Today, martial sports aim to improve a person's potential and abilities through learning, and to lead them to a fair triumph. The main point of martial arts is the acquisition of combat skills that are applicable in every situation.


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