The Fighting Arts-Their Evolution from Secret Societies to Modern Times

This book traces the evolution of the Fighting Arts from the 'old worlds' through today's modern societies, it divides its contents into two parts. 'The early development of martial arts' & 'our modern culture and martial arts.' The first part explores ancient classical fighting arts and the

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cultural influences that helped to shape them. Time is spent discussing the differences between civilian and military warfare along with the myths and legends of old. The second part of this book focuses on the assimilation of these 'ancient arts' into modern western societies. The segmentation of these arts for the western practitioner along with the role martial arts have in today's society is given prominent attention. A final section discusses the realities of terrorism yesterday and today.

Learn why there are so many martial art styles.
Understand why the military doesn't train 'classical' martial arts.
For all styles and all levels of experience.

Michael Rosenbaum started his martial arts training at the age of five. Along with isshin ryu, which he has been practicing for 23 years, he has studied bando, judo, and boxing. He was a member of the elite 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, completing infantry, Airborne, and Jungle Warfare schools. Michael currently resides near Knoxville, TN.

Contents

Foreword
Prelude
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1 The early development of martial arts
The warrior and warfare: Evolution in classical fighting arts
The influence of culture on fighting
Cultural influences on tranplanted systems
The segmentation of a warrior's fighting system
Myths and legends
Rites of passage
The role played by the classical warrior and their fighting art in society
The characteristics and differences between classical military and civilian fighting arts
Classical combative sports
Spirituality and the practitioner
Chapter 2 Our modern culture and martial arts
The introduction and evolution of classical martial arts in America
The introduction of Asian fighting arts to America and the evolution of modern methods in our society
Cultural influences on transplanted systems
Segmentation of modern-day fighting arts
Modern myths and legends
Rites of passage and modern ranking systems
The role played by the warrior and their fighting art in modern society
The characteristics of; and differences between contemporary military and civilian fighting arts
Contemporary combative sports
Spiritual dimensions of the contemporary practitioner
Terrorism: Primal rage in the modern world
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
A note on the sources
Index

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