Living Martial Arts as a Product of Continuous Exchange of Knowledge Cover Image

Living Martial Arts as a Product of Continuous Exchange of Knowledge
Living Martial Arts as a Product of Continuous Exchange of Knowledge

Author(s): Vojtěch Šlapák
Subject(s): History, Cultural history
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze - Filozofická fakulta, Vydavatelství
Keywords: Aikido; combat; martial arts; Jigoro Kano; Fiore dei Liberi; Gichin Funakoshi; Johannes Liechtenauer; Judo; Karate-Do; Morihei Ueshiba; self-defence; Shioda Gozo;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to describe the mechanisms of the genesis and functioning of martial arts from the historical point of view, as a product of continuous exchange of knowledge, on both regional and international levels. The article responds to contemporary trends in the research of martial arts. It is not strictly focused on any geographical area or historical period; rather, it attempts to outline the general facts applicable to most combat systems of the world, by taking into account the similarities of various techniques. For this purpose, the focus of the author is mainly on modern Japanese martial arts. However, the article is also based on the traditions of European martial arts’ masters, which are well known to us, as well as on the worldwide historical development of martial arts.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 29-46
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: English