Friday Academic Review Tome: Rediscovering Mesoamerican Roots: The Revival of Xilam Martial Arts

Jennings, George. “Ancient Wisdom Modern Warriors: The (Re)Invention of a Mesoamerican Warrior Tradition in Xilam.” Martial Arts Studies Special Edition: The Invention of Martial Arts, Universidad YMCA, Mexico City, Mexico. 

In "Ancient Wisdom Modern Warriors: The (Re)Invention of a Mesoamerican Warrior Tradition in Xilam," George Jennings explores the modern Mexican martial art Xilam, which is inspired by the pre-Hispanic warrior cultures of ancient Mesoamerica, including the Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec civilisations. This study situates Xilam within the context of Latin American fighting systems that have been recently invented but seek to revive ancient philosophies and practices.

Xilam was developed in the 1980s and officially registered in 1992. Despite its recent origins, it aspires to reconnect Mexicans with their ancestral roots through a martial art embodying pre-Columbian civilisations' wisdom and philosophies. Jennings employs Guillermo Bonfil Batalla's concept of "México Profundo" to frame his analysis, emphasising the contrast between contemporary Mexico, influenced by Western (Occidental) ideals, and the profound cultural heritage of Mesoamerica.

The article delves into how Xilam is portrayed through its official website, Facebook group, and YouTube channel, highlighting the association's mission to transmit elements of Mesoamerican civilisation to modern Mexicans. Jennings notes that Xilam acts as a form of physical (re)education, aiming to cultivate personal development and national identity. He argues that Xilam represents an "invented tradition" and a "reinvented tradition," providing insights into transformation, transmission, and transcendence.

Xilam is not simply a martial art but a comprehensive life philosophy. It encourages practitioners to "remove the skin" (a metaphor for shedding ego and old beliefs) and rediscover aspects of themselves and their heritage. This idea is echoed in the official website's assertion that Xilam aims to awaken the internal warrior within each Mexican, fostering a sense of identity and purpose grounded in pre-Hispanic traditions.

Jennings delves into the challenges and obstacles faced by Marisela Ugalde, the founder of Xilam, a woman of diverse heritage. Despite not being indigenous in a genetic or social sense, Ugalde's vision for Xilam is deeply rooted in the pre-Hispanic philosophies she seeks to revive. Jennings underlines the profound significance of Ugalde's journey, noting that her daughter Mayra is the designated lineage holder, hinting at the potential for Xilam's continued evolution.

The analysis extends to the broader sociocultural impact of Xilam, touching upon issues of national identity, cultural preservation, and resistance to Westernisation. Jennings juxtaposes the idealised vision of Mesoamerican civilisation with the reality of modern Mexico, critiquing the country's adoption of foreign models and advocating for a return to indigenous values.

The multimodal methodology employed by Jennings, including participant observation, life history interviews, and media and textual analysis, provides a comprehensive understanding of how Xilam is communicated and perceived. By examining the multimedia data, Jennings illuminates how Xilam seamlessly fuses ancient wisdom with contemporary practices, offering a captivating perspective on the intersection of tradition and modernity in martial arts.

Overall, Jennings' study of Xilam offers profound insights into the reinvention of martial arts as a means of cultural revival and personal development. It underscores the enduring relevance of ancient philosophies in addressing contemporary issues, inspiring us to look to the past for guidance in the present.

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