Thoughts on International & Global Education
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Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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International & Global Education
![]() As promised, here again in my Friday Academic consideration of a work related to Martial Arts. I am cheating slightly as I have prepared and loaded this on Thursday night, as Friday is far too busy and lunch is probably not on the cards (when I do most of my blog and or FB business). This week's selection is again a book with a sociological bent. The choice is heavily influenced and indebted to my good friend and fellow long-time resident of Japan, Joe Swift. While Joe and I may have differing opinions on some aspects of what we love to call our 'full-time hobby', we nonetheless are firmly committed to the belief that separating the art from the society within which it was created and the related anthropology and artefacts said society created DID and DO influence what is understood as both martial and effective self-defence. The volume "Martial Arts as Embodied Knowledge: Asian Traditions in a Transnational World," edited by D. S. Farrer and John Whalen-Bridge and published by the State University of New York Press, Albany, in 2011, provides a detailed examination of martial arts that transcends the conventional view of these practices merely as physical combat techniques. Instead, it positions martial arts within a wider cultural, philosophical, and social framework, presenting them as a significant form of embodied knowledge. This scholarly work navigates through various disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, unveiling the complex ways in which martial arts impact and are impacted by the identities, cultural practices, and societal structures within which they are situated, crossing geographical and national boundaries. This collection illuminates the multifaceted character of martial arts, portraying them not only as systems of combat but also as rich cultural expressions steeped in profound philosophical, spiritual, and social significance. These practices emerge as living traditions that carry historical narratives, ethical teachings, and cultural values, dynamically interacting with and adapting to changing social and cultural landscapes. The book thoughtfully divides into three main sections - "Embodied Fantasy," "How the Social Body Trains," and "Transnational Self-Construction" - each probing different aspects of martial arts as forms of embodied knowledge. This organisational structure facilitates a comprehensive exploration of the thematic diversity and depth of martial arts across various cultures and traditions. The "Embodied Fantasy" section delves into the symbolic and narrative dimensions of martial arts, examining how these practices intertwine with cultural myths, legends, and fantasies that play a crucial role in shaping individual and collective identities. It explores the performative aspect of martial arts, where the physical performance of techniques and forms becomes a medium for expressing and negotiating cultural values, ideals, and aspirations. This section underscores the power of martial arts to create symbolic worlds that reflect and influence the real world, offering insights into how individuals and communities utilise these practices to articulate their identities and worldviews. In "How the Social Body Trains," the focus shifts towards the communal and social aspects of martial arts training. This section investigates how martial arts practices contribute to the formation of social bonds, community cohesion, and cultural transmission. It emphasises the importance of the communal learning environment in martial arts, where knowledge is not only transmitted from teacher to student but also co-constructed within the community of practitioners. This dynamic process of learning and socialisation underscores the role of martial arts in fostering a sense of belonging, discipline, and shared cultural heritage. "Transnational Self-Construction" addresses the global dissemination of martial arts and their role in constructing diasporic and transnational identities. This section explores how martial arts serve as bridges between cultures, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and the development of global communities of practitioners. It examines the ways in which martial arts navigate and transcend cultural boundaries, fostering a sense of global belonging and identity among diverse groups of practitioners. This transnational perspective reveals the adaptability and resilience of martial arts as cultural practices that thrive in a globalised world. "Martial Arts as Embodied Knowledge: Asian Traditions in a Transnational World" offers an enriching and nuanced exploration of martial arts, highlighting their significance beyond mere physicality. By examining the intersections of martial arts with culture, philosophy, and society, the volume contributes to a deeper understanding of these practices as integral components of global cultural heritage. It showcases the diverse ways in which martial arts embody and transmit knowledge, values, and identities, resonating with both scholars and informed readers interested in the broader cultural, social, and philosophical implications of these ancient practices. In conclusion, this volume stands as a seminal contribution to the field of martial arts studies, inviting readers to reconsider martial arts in a new light - as complex cultural phenomena that provide valuable insights into human creativity, resilience, and the quest for meaning. Through its interdisciplinary approach and global perspective, it encourages a deeper appreciation of martial arts as a vital expression of human culture and knowledge, accessible and relevant to a wide audience. Citation: "This image was generated by OpenAI's DALL·E, a deep learning model specialized in generating images from textual descriptions. Okinawan and Japanese Budo
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James M. HatchInternational Educator who happens to be passionate about Chito Ryu Karate. Born in Ireland, educated in Canada, matured in Japan Archives
January 2025
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