Chinese Martial Arts: From Antiquity to the Twenty-First Century

by Peter A. Lorge

Overview

In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521878814
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/05/2011
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Peter A. Lorge is a Senior Lecturer of History at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee. He is the author of War, Politics and Society in Early Modern China, 900–1795 (2005) and The Asian Military Revolution: From Gunpowder to the Bomb (Cambridge, 2008).

Table of Contents

1. From the Stone Age to the end of the Spring and Autumn Period; 2. The Warring States period; 3. The Qin and Han dynasties; 4. The six dynasties; 5. The Sui and Tang dynasties; 6. The five dynasties and ten kingdoms and the Song dynasty; 7. The Yuan dynasty; 8. The Ming dynasty (1368–1644); 9. The Qing dynasty (1644–1911); 10. Post-imperial China.

Editorial Reviews

'… [T]he author has succeeded in contributing an erudite, generous, and engaging text, one that critiques and engages in the best spirit of faithful scholarship and invites the same … A reader comes away from reading Ralston having earned a great deal not only about Christianity and Islam and the challenge of law and politics in the two traditions, but also about the need and potential for dialogical growth in the face of serious challenges confronting both religions.' Ovamir Anjum, Islamochristiana

'Looking for scholarly content that explores the historical background of Chinese martial arts and their rooted connections to the military? [This book] is an excellent resource that provides in-depth analysis and compelling arguments. Whether you are an academic or a martial arts enthusiast, you will find this content both informative and engaging.' Lafayette Harris, Wing Chun Illustrated Magazine

From the Publisher