Chinese martial arts is considered by many to symbolise the strength of the Chinese and their pride in their history, and has long been regarded as an important element of Chinese culture and national identity. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts comprehensively examines the development of Chinese martial arts in the context of history and politics, and highlights its role in nation building and identity construction over the past two centuries.
This book explores how the development of Chinese martial arts was influenced by the ruling regimes’ political and military policies, as well as the social and economic environment. It also discusses the transformation of Chinese martial arts into its modern form as a competitive sport, a sport for all and a performing art, considering the effect of the rapid transformation of Chinese society in the 20th century and the influence of Western sports. The text concludes by examining the current prominence of Chinese martial arts on a global scale and the bright future of the sport as a unique cultural icon and national symbol of China in an era of globalisation.
Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts is important reading for researchers, students and scholars working in the areas of Chinese studies, Chinese history, political science and sports studies. It is also a valuable read for anyone with a special interest in Chinese martial arts.
1 Introduction
2 From Shang to Yuan Dynasties
The Shang and Zhou Dynasties
The Qin and Han Dynasties
The Jin and the Northern and Southern Dynasties
The Sui and Tang Dynasties
The Song and Yuan Dynasties
Conclusion
3 The Ming and Qing Dynasties
The Ming Golden Age
The Rise of Various Schools of Martial Arts
The Ban on Martial Arts
The Tiandihui, the Boxer Rebellion and the Nationalist Revolution
Conclusion
4 The Republic of China Era
Nationalism, Militarism and Martial Arts
Chinese Martial Arts Publications
The Debate
The Rise of Wuxia Novels and Movies
Conclusion
5 The Mao Era
Surviving Socialist Reforms
Revolutionary Wushu
Recovering from the Cultural Revolution
Wuxia Novels and Movies: Blending Martial Arts and Nationalism
Conclusion
6 The Era of Reform and Opening Up
Restoring the Cultural Tradition
Transforming Wushu into a Competitive Sport
Developing Wushu as a Sport for All
Wuxia Movies: Projecting the "Chineseness"
Wushu Goes Global
Conclusion
7 Conclusion
Chinese Martial Arts: History, Politics and National Identity
Modern vs. Tradition
Biography
Lu Zhouxiang is Lecturer in Chinese Studies within the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, Ireland.
