Book Review: Fighting Scholars: Habitus and Ethnographies of Martial Arts and Combat Sports

​Discovering the Physical and Academic Worlds Collide: My Thoughts on "Fighting Scholars"

As someone deeply passionate about the academic realm and the disciplined world of martial arts, I recently found myself enthralled by a book that intriguingly merges these two spheres. The book in question, "Fighting Scholars: Habitus and Ethnographies of Martial Arts and Combat Sports" by Raúl Sánchez García and Dale C. Spencer, is a groundbreaking exploration into the world of martial arts and combat sports (MACS) through an academic lens.

Having my academic roots firmly planted in the theories of Pierre Bourdieu and Loïc Wacquant, stumbling upon a martial arts book that speaks their language was truly eye-opening. The concept of 'carnal sociology' and the Bourdieusian idea of habitus particularly resonate with me, offering a lens that mirrors my way of understanding the social fabric.

Through the Eyes of Carnal Sociology

"Fighting Scholars" is notably the first collection to bring together empirical studies showcasing the richness of ethnographic research, all the while embedding Wacquant’s concept of ‘carnal sociology’. It arrives at a pivotal moment, aligning with the shift towards a more body-centric understanding in the social sciences and anthropology of sport and physical culture, shining a light on the embodied knowledge within MACS.

The editors, García and Spencer, draw considerable inspiration from Wacquant, dedicating this collection to delving into the nuances of habitus in the realm of MACS. The chapters weave through different martial arts, enriching our understanding of practitioners' lived experiences with deep, bodily insights.

Exploring the Martial Habitus

One chapter that caught my attention was penned by David Brown and George Jennings, who investigate the core traits of a martial habitus in wing chun and taijiquan. This exploration into the shared traits across various MACS piques my interest in how the concept of habitus can broaden our grasp of martial arts' social essence.

Moreover, the book spans a multitude of topics, from the tactile experiences of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the sensory depths of kalarippayattu and capoeira. Brian Hogeeven’s chapter stands out for its focus on the phenomenological, sensory aspects of martial arts practice, informed by Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s theories.

Looking Ahead with Curiosity

While "Fighting Scholars" is rich with theoretical and empirical insights, it also opens the door for future inquiries. The book, as Wacquant reflects in the epilogue, sets the stage for further explorations into broader corporeal and sensory knowledge domains. This aligns with my keen interest in the interplay between habitus, the societal backdrop, and the settings where martial arts thrive.

The discussion around themes such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and notably, class, suggests critical avenues for future engagement. These themes invite a deeper examination of how inequality, oppression, and resistance unfold within the MACS landscape.

Final Thoughts

At its core, "Fighting Scholars" not only enriches martial arts studies but also prompts a deeper contemplation of social action and knowledge's corporeal dimensions. It reaffirms the intricate link between physicality and academia, encouraging a continued exploration into the embodied ways of knowing central to martial arts. This book, with its pioneering stance and insightful analysis, undoubtedly marks a significant stride in the study of MACS, heralding a promising future for this fascinating interdisciplinary field.

Produced with help from: ​OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

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