International Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Science
Martial arts are usually relegated to the sphere of sport and often lost within the trappings of ... more Martial arts are usually relegated to the sphere of sport and often lost within the trappings of combat. In recent times, scholars have taken an interest in martial arts studies and explored how the psychosomatics of embodied practice reveals knowledge about culture and social phenomena. Commentators from within psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy have spoken broadly about human connection through martial arts. However, little has been researched in theology that links spiritual teaching to the lived experience of martial arts practice. This article aims to illumine a theology that may inform the practice of martial arts. To that, I turn to Karol Wojtyla and his seminal work on Theology of the Body. I will present two key aspects; 1) that the Christian ethic may inspire fresh insights into an alternate practice of martial arts. 2) in the light of a body theology, martial arts may be viewed as a practice that supports human flourishing.
This paper takes up the question of the place of martial arts in a Christian response to violence... more This paper takes up the question of the place of martial arts in a Christian response to violence. In light of René Girard's mimetic theory, how can, or should a person of faith consider the practice of martial arts for the purposes of self-protection? This paper will respond to the question by showing that, Girard's theory situates humanity in the realm of an intermediary process awaiting the consummation of the kingdom of God. We shall discover that we are 'on the horn of a dilemma' in having to contend with the excesses of unremitting violence and the deficiencies of cowardice. A surprising compliment to Christian ethical behaviour can be found in the Eastern martial arts, which will be more closely observed through the traditions of Japanese samurai culture. We shall discover that virtue can be found in self-defence through a balance of Christian principle and martial art practice, which promotes peace and harmony in a sin-riddled world.
Jigoro Kano posited that self-improvement could be achieved through judo practice in three distin... more Jigoro Kano posited that self-improvement could be achieved through judo practice in three distinct ways: improved skill, higher intellect, and moral development; all of which may lead to more productive citizenry. While moral development may be important in martial arts practice, this article provides an overview of the current scientific research into skill acquisition and cognitive benefits of judo practice as hypothesised by Jigoro Kano. Through reviewing selected literature there is evidence to suggest that judo, and other similar martial arts, can improve skill development and cognition through practice. The aim of this review article is to illumine Kano's claims regarding judo as a beneficial practice that leads to an improved self which may enlighten current and prospective practitioners.
Self-defence is generally thought to be either a staple of martial arts practice or a way for the... more Self-defence is generally thought to be either a staple of martial arts practice or a way for the Crown to establish if an accused was acting in self-defence. That calls to mind two essential aspects about the actor in self-defence: 1) the subjectivity of the actor's intent and actions, and 2) the objective examination against what other prudent persons would or would not do given the same set of circumstances. Assessing criminal liability is essential to the legalities of self-defence but, the discovery of one's mind and actions after the fact is relevant to consequence and reflective practice which merely defines what may be considered reasonable, legitimate, and necessary as per case. More importantly, is there a divine preeminence of self-defence that can ameliorate one's actions of force against another to curtail the negative effects of a hostile attacker. In this article, I propose that both virtue and duty can lead the actor to discover the sacred site of the lived-body as the self known as I to value the self known as the other. To view the body as sacred in such a pre-emptive way may reestablish restraint and control over one's actions as to promote bodily integrity and the preservation of life.
International Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Science
Martial arts are usually relegated to the sphere of sport and often lost within the trappings of ... more Martial arts are usually relegated to the sphere of sport and often lost within the trappings of combat. In recent times, scholars have taken an interest in martial arts studies and explored how the psychosomatics of embodied practice reveals knowledge about culture and social phenomena. Commentators from within psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy have spoken broadly about human connection through martial arts. However, little has been researched in theology that links spiritual teaching to the lived experience of martial arts practice. This article aims to illumine a theology that may inform the practice of martial arts. To that, I turn to Karol Wojtyla and his seminal work on Theology of the Body. I will present two key aspects; 1) that the Christian ethic may inspire fresh insights into an alternate practice of martial arts. 2) in the light of a body theology, martial arts may be viewed as a practice that supports human flourishing.
This paper takes up the question of the place of martial arts in a Christian response to violence... more This paper takes up the question of the place of martial arts in a Christian response to violence. In light of René Girard's mimetic theory, how can, or should a person of faith consider the practice of martial arts for the purposes of self-protection? This paper will respond to the question by showing that, Girard's theory situates humanity in the realm of an intermediary process awaiting the consummation of the kingdom of God. We shall discover that we are 'on the horn of a dilemma' in having to contend with the excesses of unremitting violence and the deficiencies of cowardice. A surprising compliment to Christian ethical behaviour can be found in the Eastern martial arts, which will be more closely observed through the traditions of Japanese samurai culture. We shall discover that virtue can be found in self-defence through a balance of Christian principle and martial art practice, which promotes peace and harmony in a sin-riddled world.
Jigoro Kano posited that self-improvement could be achieved through judo practice in three distin... more Jigoro Kano posited that self-improvement could be achieved through judo practice in three distinct ways: improved skill, higher intellect, and moral development; all of which may lead to more productive citizenry. While moral development may be important in martial arts practice, this article provides an overview of the current scientific research into skill acquisition and cognitive benefits of judo practice as hypothesised by Jigoro Kano. Through reviewing selected literature there is evidence to suggest that judo, and other similar martial arts, can improve skill development and cognition through practice. The aim of this review article is to illumine Kano's claims regarding judo as a beneficial practice that leads to an improved self which may enlighten current and prospective practitioners.
Self-defence is generally thought to be either a staple of martial arts practice or a way for the... more Self-defence is generally thought to be either a staple of martial arts practice or a way for the Crown to establish if an accused was acting in self-defence. That calls to mind two essential aspects about the actor in self-defence: 1) the subjectivity of the actor's intent and actions, and 2) the objective examination against what other prudent persons would or would not do given the same set of circumstances. Assessing criminal liability is essential to the legalities of self-defence but, the discovery of one's mind and actions after the fact is relevant to consequence and reflective practice which merely defines what may be considered reasonable, legitimate, and necessary as per case. More importantly, is there a divine preeminence of self-defence that can ameliorate one's actions of force against another to curtail the negative effects of a hostile attacker. In this article, I propose that both virtue and duty can lead the actor to discover the sacred site of the lived-body as the self known as I to value the self known as the other. To view the body as sacred in such a pre-emptive way may reestablish restraint and control over one's actions as to promote bodily integrity and the preservation of life.
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