Introduction No topic within the study of the modern martial arts is more burdened with nationalist myths and legends than military fencing. By the middle of the 20th century blades were supposed to have become obsolete on the battlefield. Yet... Continue Reading →
Introduction Understanding the actual history and use of hudiedao (or Butterfly Swords) reflects the challenges faced by students of martial studies more generally. These short paired swords, with their distinctive D-shaped hand guards, are one of the most commonly... Continue Reading →
“I don’t oppose playing ball in the least, but I do oppose this feverish consumption of foreigners’ goods. This is exercise, but it is the exercise of the gents and ladies of the leisured classes. If you want to... Continue Reading →
Introduction Given the current growth of interest in all types of archery, it is not hard to understand the explosion of interest in Late Imperial Chinese bows and techniques. During both the Ming and Qing periods China was renowned for... Continue Reading →
Introduction Vintage postcards are fascinating because they capture a dual image. On the surface they present a simple picture of a notable location, individual or native custom. Some of these images are historically important and you can occasionally glean a... Continue Reading →
Introduction It is clear that weapons training is enjoying a renaissance within the modern martial arts community. Recently some of this attention has come to focus on the blades of the Second World War. It is interesting to speculate on... Continue Reading →
Introduction: Why do we study ephemera? In many respects the study of the history of the traditional martial arts is the study of Chinese popular culture. Sometimes we approach the subject from the perspective of political or military history, and... Continue Reading →
Introduction: Informants and the Problem of Reliability The study of the traditional martial arts has tended to rely rather heavily on interviews with “participant informants.” Cultivating relationships with informants and learning about their worldview consumes much of a... Continue Reading →
Introduction One of the most important, though often overlooked, events of the late 18th and early 19th centuries was the creation and growth of the "Canton Trade System." This highly regulated trade, carried out between Chinese and European merchants in... Continue Reading →
Kung Fu Tea 
Recent Comments