Oct. 2- Friday Academic Review Thoughts: Understanding the Sublimation of Violence in Japanese Martial Arts

Bibliographic Citation:
Nakajima, T. (2018). Japanese Martial Arts and the Sublimation of Violence: An Ethnographic Study of Shinkage-ryu. Martial Arts Studies, Issue 6, pp. 62-74. DOI: 10.18573/mas.68.

Summary of Findings and AssertionsNakajima’s article, Japanese Martial Arts and the Sublimation of Violence, presents a unique and insightful ethnographic study of the Shinkage-ryu school of Japanese martial arts. His exploration of the central premise that martial arts serve not only as techniques for combat but also as methods for sublimating or transforming violence, while addressing broader philosophical and historical questions, is a perspective that will surely engage and intrigue our academic peers and researchers. The study focuses on the role of kata (pre-arranged forms) in turning violent actions into disciplined, constructive practices.

Nakajima proposes that Shinkage-ryu offers a unique opportunity to observe how the transformation of violence is systematically taught through martial training. The use of kata is particularly emphasised as a critical mechanism for instilling in practitioners the ability to respond to violence in a controlled and non-lethal manner. According to Nakajima, this focus on sublimating violence contrasts with the common perception of martial arts as combat techniques aimed solely at defeating opponents. Through over 12 years of fieldwork in a Shinkage-ryu dojo, Nakajima observed that students are taught to ‘move in under the sword,’ not as a physical tactic alone, but as a way to negate violence entirely.

The article asserts that classical Japanese martial arts do not merely prepare practitioners for physical confrontations but cultivate a mindset that neutralises violence through understanding and mastery of movement. The concept of marobashi, or the moment when violence is sublimated, is crucial to this study. Marobashi refers to the instant when, through the correct application of kata, the practitioner’s sword avoids contact with the opponent’s body, demonstrating a victory without the need to cause harm. This notion challenges the common assumption that martial arts must lead to the physical domination of one’s opponent.

Situating the Article within the FieldNakajima’s work contributes significantly to martial arts studies by addressing gaps in the existing literature concerning classical martial arts. Much of the scholarship on Japanese martial arts has historically concentrated on modern disciplines such as judo and kendo, both of which became part of Japan’s educational curriculum after the Second World War. These arts are often studied through the lens of sportification, focusing on competitive elements and physical education.

Nakajima’s ethnographic approach, however, offers a fresh perspective by examining classical martial traditions that have been mainly overlooked in academic research. Shinkage-ryu, unlike judo and kendo, has retained its classical form, and its pedagogical methods have not been widely adapted to the sport or educational arenas. This distinction makes Nakajima’s study particularly valuable, highlighting the philosophical and ethical dimensions of martial arts that remain primarily hidden within traditional dojo settings.
Furthermore, the article engages with interdisciplinary frameworks, drawing on anthropology, philosophy, and history to deepen the analysis of how martial arts are not simply about violence but about controlling, managing, and ultimately sublimating it. This approach challenges more mechanistic interpretations of martial arts that focus solely on physical techniques, instead presenting martial arts as practices deeply intertwined with ethical and philosophical training.

Assessing its Contribution to the FieldNakajima’s ethnographic study of Shinkage-ryu is a valuable addition to the growing body of literature on the deeper philosophical aspects of martial arts. While previous studies have explored the historical evolution of martial arts, Nakajima's work stands out by focusing on the experience of training in a classical school, offering valuable insights into the psychological and ethical dimensions of martial arts practice. His work not only enriches our understanding of Shinkage-ryu but also provides a unique perspective on the broader field of martial arts studies.

The article is a detailed exploration of kata and marobashi, a vital contribution. Nakajima illustrates that kata are not merely choreographed movements but are intended to guide practitioners towards moments of realisation where violence is transcended. This shift from seeing martial arts as a means to an end—combat or self-defence—towards understanding them as processes for self-reflection and moral growth is a notable element of the study.
Nakajima also raises important questions about the role of martial arts in modern society. In the post-war period, martial arts were introduced into Japan’s school curriculum primarily to emphasise physical education and competition. Nakajima’s work suggests that this approach may have overlooked the more profound objectives of martial arts training, such as the development of moral virtues and the cultivation of a nonviolent ethos. His findings could potentially influence the modern practice of martial arts, encouraging a shift towards a more holistic approach that incorporates these deeper objectives.

The article’s focus on Shinkage-ryu, a lesser-known classical school, enhances the discussion by highlighting the diversity within Japanese martial arts traditions. It challenges the dominant narrative that focuses on modern, sport-oriented martial arts, drawing attention to the rich philosophical heritage of classical martial arts, which have been preserved for centuries yet remain under-explored in contemporary scholarship.

Future ConsiderationsNakajima’s study opens several exciting pathways for further research. One potential area of exploration is a comparative study of how different classical martial arts schools, such as Niten Ichi-ryu or Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, approach the concept of sublimating violence. Such studies could provide a broader understanding of how various schools interpret violence and its transformation through martial practice, sparking new ideas and motivating further exploration.
Further ethnographic studies could also examine how modern practitioners of classical martial arts integrate these philosophical teachings into their daily lives. How do the ethical lessons learned in the dojo influence practitioners outside the training hall? This area could provide valuable insights into the relevance of martial arts philosophy in contemporary society.

Additionally, Nakajima’s emphasis on marobashi raises essential questions about how practitioners interpret and apply such abstract concepts in practice. Future research could investigate how different instructors across Japan teach these ideas and whether there is variation in how they are understood and applied.

ConclusionTetsuya Nakajima’s Japanese Martial Arts and the Sublimation of Violence is a significant contribution to the study of martial arts. His work challenges traditional views of martial arts, offering a unique perspective on the philosophical underpinnings of classical Japanese martial traditions. Through his detailed ethnographic study of Shinkage-ryu, Nakajima demonstrates that martial arts are not solely about fighting but about learning to transcend violence through disciplined practice and moral cultivation. This challenging of traditional views will surely inspire and enlighten our academic peers and researchers, providing a foundation for future research into these ancient practices' ethical and philosophical dimensions.

研究の要約と主張中島哲哉の論文「日本の武道と暴力の昇華」は、武道の技術が単なる戦闘の手段ではなく、暴力を昇華・変換するための方法でもあるという独自かつ洞察に富んだ民族誌的研究です。この研究は、幅広い哲学的および歴史的な問題に取り組みながら、型（事前に決められた動作）が暴力的な行動を規律ある建設的な実践に変える役割に焦点を当てています。
中島は、神影流が、武道訓練を通じて暴力を体系的にどのように昇華するかを観察するためのユニークな機会を提供していると提案しています。特に型の使用が、暴力に対して制御された非致死的な方法で反応する能力を修練者に植え付ける重要なメカニズムとして強調されています。中島によれば、この暴力の昇華に焦点を当てることは、武道が対戦相手を打ち負かすための戦闘技術に過ぎないという一般的な認識とは対照的です。神影流道場で12年以上にわたって行われたフィールドワークを通じて、中島は、弟子たちが「刀の下に入り込む」ことを教えられている様子を観察しましたが、これは単なる物理的な戦術ではなく、暴力を完全に無効化する方法として教えられていました。
論文は、日本の古典的な武道が単なる物理的な対決の準備をするだけでなく、動作の理解と習得を通じて暴力を中和する心構えを育むものであると主張しています。この研究において重要な概念である円橋は、型の正しい応用によって修練者の刀が相手の体に触れることなく、勝利を示す瞬間を指します。この概念は、武道が必ずしも相手の身体的な支配に至るべきだという一般的な仮定に異議を唱えています。





中島の研究は、武道に関する既存の文献の欠点に取り組むことで、武道研究分野に大きく貢献しています。日本の武道に関する学術的な研究の多くは、歴史的に柔道や剣道といった近代的な武道に集中してきましたが、これらは第二次世界大戦後に日本の教育課程に取り入れられました。これらの武道は、競技要素や体育的な観点で研究されることが多いです。
一方で、中島の民族誌的アプローチは、これまで学術研究でほとんど見過ごされてきた古典的な武道伝統を掘り下げる新たな視点を提供しています。神影流は、柔道や剣道とは異なり、古典的な形を維持しており、その教育法は競技や教育の場に広く適応されていません。この違いが中島の研究を特に貴重なものにしており、伝統的な道場環境の中で隠れている武道の哲学的および倫理的な側面に光を当てています。
さらに、論文は人類学、哲学、歴史学などの学際的な枠組みを活用して、武道が単なる暴力に関するものではなく、暴力を制御し、管理し、最終的に昇華することに関するものであるという分析を深めています。このアプローチは、物理的な技術に焦点を当てた機械的な解釈に挑戦し、武道を倫理的・哲学的な訓練と深く結びついた実践として提示しています。

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