WEEK 2: STUDY GUIDE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF MARTIAL ARTS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
DISARMING TECHNIQUES
- Read course and unit objectives
- Read study guide prior to class attendance
- Read required learning resources;
- Proactively participate in classroom discussions
- Participate in weekly discussion board (Canvas)
- Answer and submit course unit tasks
At the end of this unit, the students are expected to:
- Provide a succinct history of the development of martial arts and discuss how it was used as a form of self-defense.
- Discuss the principles and theory of Arnis martial arts
- Discuss the code of discipline of Arnis martial arts
HISTORY OF MARTIAL ARTS
The oldest works of art depicting scenes of battle are cave paintings from eastern Spain dated between 10,000 and 6,000 BCE that show organized groups fighting with bows and arrows.
Many people consider Asia to be the centre of the martial arts world as many of the most prominent martial arts such as kung fu, and karate from the region.
Over the years, martial arts have been shaped by a culmination of factors to include ancient myths and legends to historical revolutions. Since the beginning of time, different cultures have developed styles of fighting in order to survive, but it is Chinese martial arts that has endured and flourished more than in any other country.
CREATION OF MARTIAL ARTS
Martial arts techniques were created out of the need for survival between humanity and animals, and between different tribes of humans. From these battles, experiences and techniques were accumulated and recorded then passed down through the generations.
The invention of weaponry enabled new fighting techniques to be created. Different types and shapes of weapons were invented which led to different schools and styles of martial arts. These new styles were formed by imitating the fighting techniques of animals such as the tiger, panther, monkey, snake and bear as well as a number of birds and insects.
Mankind firmly believed that in order to survive in what was a harsh natural environment at the time, it was necessary to study animals' natural talent and skill for fighting. The way to learn these techniques was to study and imitate these animals, for example the pouncing of a tiger or the attacking motions of an eagle.
Gradually, over the years, the martial techniques developed became a part of Asian culture.
TEACHING MARTIAL ARTS
The teaching of martial arts in Asia has historically followed cultural traditions - students are trained in a strictly hierarchical system by a master instructor. The students are expected to memorise and recite as closely as possible the rules and basic training of martial arts whilst the teacher is expected to directly supervise the student's training.
Students with more seniority are considered 'older brothers and sisters' whilst those with less seniority are 'younger brothers and sisters', and these relationships are clearly delineated and designed to develop good character, patience and discipline amongst students.
In some Asian countries, a student's skills were tested for mastery before being allowed to study further - this traditional style has been widely ignored by many of the modern teachings in the West.
MODERN MARTIAL ARTS
The western interest in East Asian Martial Arts dates back to the late 19th Century around the time when there was an increase in trade between America and China and Japan. Very few westerners actually practiced the arts initially, they saw it as more of a dramatic performance.
It wasn't until a great number of military personal from the West spent time in Korea, China, Japan and further afield that soldiers gradually began to recognise the value of Eastern martial arts in Western culture and it was this that promoted the start of training.
During World War II, William E. Fairbairn, a Shanghai policeman and a leading Western expert on Asian fighting techniques, was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to teach the UK, U.S and Canadian Commando and Ranger forces Jujitsu. After the War, a large number of American servicemen remained in Japan and the adoption of martial arts within Western culture continued.
By the 1950s, large groups of U.S Military personnel were taught Korean arts during the Korean war as a method of self-defence and survival. After their demobilisation, many soldiers brought their training home and continued to practice and teach.
By the 1970s, Japanese arts such as Karate and Judo had become popular, and martial artist Bruce Lee's presence in martial arts movies caused a further rise in popularity of Chinese martial arts (kung fu).
In the 1980s, Sport Karate became a major international sport with professional fighters rewarded large prizes, TV coverage and sponsorship deals.
THE BENEFITS OF MARTIAL ARTS
Today, martial arts is more often used as a form of exercise. It is also taught as a method of self-defence and is used to improve confidence and self-esteem.
Martial arts has a wide variety of benefits, it can improve balance, strength, stamina, flexibility, and posture and it can also enhance weight loss and improve muscle tone. Furthermore, martial arts can help with stress-management, improve concentration and increase willpower.
Some martial arts such as qigong and t'ai chi are used for disease prevention and healing purposes. Martial arts can also be used as spiritual practices to bring balance, peace and wisdom to those who are dedicated practitioners.
PRINCIPLES OF ARNIS
- a) Character - a ruffian has no place in Arnis let alone in sports. Refinement in character is important. A student must be taught the moral (and religious) values of everything. It is an obligation of the teacher of Arnis to mold the character of the student in such a way that his behavioral structure would be motivated by righteous desire. It is what a man is that counts not the number of trophies he won. In spite of the abetted fallacies of values of the present world, it is who you are that will matter in the end.
- b) Sincerity - sincerity for victory's sake is not the all--consuming end of an Arnis player. It is the sincerity in him to his fellowman and to his art that makes him shine in the array of men. The will to win maybe inculcated, but such tutelage should never end after the tick of the ultimate second in the game but beyond the canvass and the arena of competition. The martial art of Arnis, it should be remembered, is a good medium of development man's sense of dedication in all his everyday endeavor and involvement. Sincerity, is the mother of trust and trust makes an institution of what has been shattered by doubts. A man who is not sincere will never have a true friend.
- c) Discipline - Arnis is a molder of discipline. Proper behavior in the sport and in life itself will be the gauge of success. Personal discipline is important. The kaleidoscopic invitations and temptations of life should never undermine man in his obligation to his art, to himself and his fellowman. A student should learn to control himself in the pursuance of his goal, not only to his art but also to life in general.
- d) Self-control - losing one's head means defeat. One should learn to control his temper if he hopes to achieve success in every endeavor. In Arnis, self-control is important for without it, life and the good health of another may be lost. The possession of an ability to kill or main a person should be handled with extreme caution and prudence. Man's clear perception of things is anchored on his ability to control the outbursts of his inner self. Provocation is dishonorable but hasty reaction to it is just as dishonorable if not despicable.
- e) Etiquette - etiquette is allied to the main cardinal rules in arnis. One's norm and standard should never be imposed upon others. One should learn how to respect others. Giving credence to the standard and ability of another person should or will best prepare anybody in any endeavor. The pacific waters of human understanding will stay unruffled if exercise of proper etiquette and respect whether it be in sporty competition or in life itself is observed.