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 →
But First An Announcement I have received some very exciting news regarding my manuscript on the social history of Wing Chun and the southern Chinese martial arts. Hopefully I will be making a more specific announcement about that in the... Continue Reading →
William Acevedo with translations by Mei Cheung. 2014. “Republic Period Guoshu Periodicals.” Classic Fighting Arts. Vol 2. No. 26 Issue 49. pp. 56-68. Introduction: The Traditional Chinese Martial Arts and the Printed Word Despite frequent assertions to the contrary,... Continue Reading →
"For sheer contentiousness, the Zhang Sanfeng case can only be compared to the issue of racism, abortion and homosexuality in American culture. At the dawn of the 21st century, the pendulum has once again swung towards the myth-makers. Western... Continue Reading →
Wang Guangxi. 2012. Chinese Kung Fu. Cambridge University Press. 115 pages. Introduction The prestigious Cambridge University Press published not one but two books on the topic of the Chinese martial arts in 2012. Most students of martial studies will already... Continue Reading →
Introduction I was recently exchanging emails with a martial arts instructor and reader who suggested that I address the historical facts behind the “Bodhidharma myth.” This is a critical topic for anyone interested in either the historical or cultural... Continue Reading →
Meeting a New Friend Recently I have been spending a lot of time (and practice hours) thinking about the Mook Yan Jong. This type of wooden dummy is commonly used in Wing Chun schools around the world. I had not... Continue Reading →
Introduction No assertion is more fervently advanced on behalf of the traditional Asian martial arts than assurances of their great antiquity. The relative ages of these systems seems to have become a matter of increased discussion and competition in... Continue Reading →
Introduction Welcome to the St. Patrick's day edition of “Chinese Martial Arts in the News.” This is a semi-regular feature here at Kung Fu Tea in which we review media stories that mention or impact the the traditional fighting arts. ... Continue Reading →
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