Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey
by Brian Kennedy, Elizabeth Guo
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Book Summary Information
Author: Brian Kennedy, Elizabeth GuoEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-07-10
ISBN: 1556435576
Number of pages: 225
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Book Reviews of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey
Book Review: A Delightful and Ground Breaking Survey and Study!
Summary: 5 Stars
On an unfamiliar and unfrequently considered subject, we have a treasure (and hopefully a beginning!) in this book. I'm familiar with authors Guo and Kennedy from their articles in "Classical Fighting Arts" magazine. Like their well-referenced articles, this book does not disappoint! Over the last 10 years, a change has been taking place in the martial arts community. Serious scholars and the academically minded have broken with old mainline publishers and proponents of what could be termed McDojos and McKwoons (the "fast-food" schools of martial arts) to delve deeply into the history, applications, science, and philosophy of combative arts new & old. As a result, we're witnessing the emergence of high caliber works such as this which not only challenge, but blow many popular martial arts myths out of the water. This volume was not written as a challenge, but as a survey of historical written materials concerning Chinese martial arts. Any debunking is purely incidental, really!
Covering 30 different works over a period of about 400 years, Kennedy & Guo begin by explaining the importance of physical culture in China's traditional Military structure, and consider how it may have led to the emergence of the study of martial arts-as-physical culture and mechanism for self defence in wider Chinese society. Each manual is examined by the authors in the context of the time it was written, other possible influences are duly considered.
In reviewing thirty of the better known martial arts manuals of 17th through 20th century China and Taiwan, Guo and Kennedy provides oodles of new information about important authors and popular manuals about Chinese martial arts who prior to this book were considered obscure or mythical. Included are numerous photographs and drawings from original publications to flesh out the teachings and people of an earlier age. Background information is provided on the authors and leaders of various styles and methods in China and Taiwan.
In martial arts, many stories and ideas have been disseminated through the written words of various authors. Just as in present times, others who read these works and stories were influenced. Kennedy & Guo make serious points for reiterating the influence these popular books had on common and influential Chinese people alike, explaining what these works taught and claimed, showing how available books on martial arts have impacted stories and practice of the Shaolin, literature, and even modern athletics and Wushu in China. A superb study, holds the attention of the reader, many "ah-ha!" moments. It really is high time for a work that examines Chinese martial arts in their historical context using the evidence available, manuals written by the earliest martial artists. Here finally is a work which begins to fill the chasm caused by divergent language and culture. What is left to us is understanding.
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