Friday Academic Review Thoughts: Herbert, W. (2020). “What did Bodhidharma do in karate-dō?? (trans.)”.

Bibliographic Citation
Herbert, W. (2020). What did Bodhidharma do in karate-dō? OAG Notizen. [Online] Available at: https://www.academia.edu/39017980/Was_hat_Bodhidharma_im_Karate_d%25C5%258Dj%25C5%258D_verloren [Accessed 29 August 2024].

Summary of Findings and Assertions
Wolfgang Herbert’s article, What did Bodhidharma do in karate-dō? Explores the historical and mythological connections between Bodhidharma and karate. Herbert contends that the widespread belief linking Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, to the establishment of martial arts in the Shaolin Temple—and, by extension, to karate—is primarily grounded in constructed legends rather than historical facts. He identifies several significant phases of transformation that karate has undergone, from its origins in mainland China to its contemporary form as an Olympic sport. Herbert asserts that each transformation has resulted in gains and losses, with the recent trend towards sports karate leading to a narrowed focus that obscures the art’s deeper spiritual and philosophical dimensions. This call for a more nuanced understanding of martial arts can inspire a deeper appreciation and enlightenment among practitioners and scholars.

Herbert meticulously traces the historical roots of Bodhidharma, noting that while he was a pivotal figure in the spread of Zen Buddhism, his direct involvement with martial arts remains speculative at best. The article also examines the broader cultural exchanges between India, China, and Okinawa, which contributed to the development of martial arts. Herbert critiques the oversimplification and commercialisation of karate, especially in the context of its inclusion in the Olympics, arguing that this trend risks eroding the rich, multifaceted nature of the art form.

Situating the Article within the Field
Herbert’s work is critical to martial arts studies, particularly examining the intersection between myth, history, and modern practice. The article aligns with scholarly efforts to demythologise the origins of martial arts, offering a more nuanced understanding of how cultural narratives are constructed and perpetuated. Herbert engages with existing literature on the subject, referencing historical texts and contemporary studies to support his analysis. His work is situated within a broader discourse that questions the authenticity of widely accepted martial arts legends, challenging practitioners and scholars to reconsider the origins and evolution of these traditions.

This article contributes to a growing body of work that seeks to preserve the integrity of martial arts by emphasising their historical and cultural contexts. By examining the myth of Bodhidharma and its impact on the perception of karate, Herbert adds depth to the understanding of how religious, artistic, and socio-political forces have shaped martial arts. His focus on karate's historical and philosophical dimensions serves as a counterpoint to the prevailing emphasis on its physical and competitive aspects, particularly in the context of its Olympic inclusion.

Assessing its Contribution to the Field
Herbert’s article is a valuable resource for martial arts practitioners and scholars. It offers a well-researched critique of the myths surrounding Bodhidharma and their influence on the development of karate. The article’s interdisciplinary approach, drawing on religious studies, cultural history, and martial arts scholarship, provides a comprehensive analysis that challenges the reader to think critically about the narratives that shape our understanding of martial arts. It urges a return to the roots of these practices to preserve their original intent and meaning, stimulating intellectual engagement and debate.

One of Herbert’s critical contributions is its emphasis on balancing the various dimensions of karate—physical, mental, and spiritual. By highlighting the dangers of focusing too narrowly on karate certification, Herbert calls for a more holistic approach that honours the art’s rich history and philosophical underpinnings. His analysis is particularly relevant in the current context, where the globalisation and commercialisation of martial arts threaten to dilute their traditional values.

Future Considerations
Looking ahead, Herbert’s article suggests several trajectories for future research and practice in martial arts. Scholars could further investigate the historical connections between different martial arts traditions, exploring how cultural exchanges have shaped the evolution of these practices. There is also a need for more critical studies that examine the impact of globalisation and commercialisation on martial arts, particularly concerning their spiritual and philosophical dimensions.

In terms of practice, Herbert’s work encourages martial artists to engage more deeply with their disciplines' historical and cultural roots. This could involve integrating traditional practices such as meditation and philosophical study into modern training regimes, thereby preserving the holistic nature of martial arts. Additionally, as karate evolves, it will be essential to balance its competitive aspects with its more profound, reflective elements, ensuring that the art remains true to its origins even as it adapts to contemporary demands.

In summary, Herbert’s article significantly contributes to the study of martial arts, offering academically rigorous and practically relevant insights. His work challenges prevailing narratives, inviting deeper reflection and setting the stage for future research and practice that honours the full scope of what martial arts can offer. This emphasis on deeper reflection can make the audience feel more reflective and contemplative about their understanding and practice of martial arts.
Japanese:
​ヘルベルト・ウルフガングの論文「ボーディダルマは空手道に何をもたらしたか？」は、ボーディダルマと空手との歴史的および神話的な関連性を探求しています。ヘルベルトは、禅仏教の初代祖であるボーディダルマが少林寺で武術を確立し、それが空手に発展したという広く信じられている説が、歴史的事実よりも作られた伝説に基づいていると主張しています。また、空手が中国本土から現代のオリンピック競技に至るまでに経た変遷を明らかにし、その過程で得られたものと失われたものについても論じています。特に、スポーツとしての空手が強調されることで、武術の深い精神的・哲学的側面が見過ごされていると警鐘を鳴らしています。

ヘルベルトは、ボーディダルマが禅仏教の普及において重要な役割を果たしたものの、武術との直接的な関与は非常に推測的なものであるとしています。さらに、インド、中国、沖縄の文化的交流が武術の発展に寄与したことを探りながら、空手がオリンピックに含まれる過程での単純化や商業化を批判しています。

この論文は、武術の神話と歴史、そして現代の実践との交差点を検討する上で重要であり、武術の起源と進化に関する神話を見直す学術的な取り組みに貢献しています。特に、武術が持つ歴史的・文化的文脈を強調し、ボーディダルマの神話が空手の認識に与えた影響を通じて、宗教的、芸術的、社会政治的な力が武術にどのように影響を与えたかについての理解を深めています。

ヘルベルトの研究は、武術の学問的理解を促進し、特に空手の認定に過度に集中することの危険性を指摘しつつ、空手の身体的、精神的、そして哲学的側面のバランスを取ることを提唱しています。この論文は、武術の伝統的価値がグローバル化と商業化によって希薄化する危機に直面している現状において、非常に重要な意義を持っています。

​OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4o) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/c/3d332991-a8c8-4ba0-bfff-6c83e06b8950

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