The Influence of the Serbian Army on the Beginnings and Development of Physical Training in Serbia in 19th and Early 20th Centuries Cover Image

Утицај српске војске на појаву и развој физичке културе у Србији у XIX и почетком XX века
The Influence of the Serbian Army on the Beginnings and Development of Physical Training in Serbia in 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Author(s): Dejan Gavrilović
Subject(s): History
Published by: Institut za noviju istoriju Srbije
Keywords: Joinville le Point; Physical training; army; Military Academy; Military School of Joinville le Point

Summary/Abstract: Ever since the renewal of the Serbian independence in 1804 and the founding of the first civilian schools, physical training (fencing at that time) was taught by prominent representatives of the Serbian army. The curricula of the higher educational institutions in Serbia during 19 th and in early 20 th century (Guard School, Princely Serbian Military Academy, Artillery School…) had the subject of physical training as a precursor of physical training in the army. The teachers teaching fighting, gymnastics and swimming at the Artillery School and at the Military Academy after hours influenced strongly the development of physical culture among the civilian population. They were often simultaneously, founders of sports associations, trainers and competitors. Teachers of the Military Academy took part at international meetings of physical culture where they promoted their country and the values of Serbian sport. Officers propagated physical training also by written word. Several expert books appeared in late 19 th and in early 20 th centuries. The founding of the Serbian Olympic Club in the Hotel Moskva in Belgrade in 1910 can be seen as the culmination of the influence of the military cadres on the development of physical training in Serbia.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 7-22
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Serbian