Wojciech J. Cynarski

Values of martial arts in the light of the anthropology of martial arts

Summary From the perspective of the philosophical anthropology of martial arts and of martial arts humanistic theory the author presents values of today’s pathways of warriors from eastern Asia. He also refers to other theoretical concepts of martial arts philoso phy, and especially their normative ethics. The pedagogical implications of the use of a variety of axiological traditional martial arts have been proven in many countries, but to the greatest extent in the countries of eastern and south-eastern Asia. The pathways of martial arts (such as Japanese Budo) constitute a huge potential and universal cultural heritage from which today’s physical education pedagogy should draw.

Factors of Development of Far Eastern Martial Arts in Central Europe

Factors of Development of Far Eastern Martial Arts in Central Europe The aim of the research was to indicate the main factors of development declared by the practitioners of the different disciplines of martial arts and combat sports in selected countries of Central Europe. In particular, such variables as training location and type of martial arts/combat sports have been taken into consideration. Five research questions have been established which should be answered in order to find the solution to the posed problem. The theoretical perspective for analyses presented here consists of sociology of sport and humanist theory of martial arts. This approach results in the need for quantitative and qualitative analysis of the answers to questions about the barriers of development according to the variables of the practiced variety (a martial art, a combat sport) and the place of training. The method of diagnostic survey has been used. The research was conducted on a group of 500 subjects from south-eastern Poland, Slovakia, Germany and additionally (for comparison) from England, of which 489 were accepted for the study. This number includes 137 representatives of kyokushin karate from Poland, 143 Polish karatekas of non-contact varieties, 18 representatives of jujitsu and karate from Germany, 37 aikidokas from Poland (a martial art without sportive rivalry), 107 judokas from Poland and 24 judokas from Slovakia, with an additional 23 British rugby players. The selection of the group was deliberate and complete, taking into account the representatives of various martial arts and combat sports, with rugby used for comparative purposes. Practicing martial arts oriented to self-realization, determines the motivation for their practice, which differs from the motivation in sport (combat sports). It influences the dominating choices of values-goals and popularity, thus the development of given varieties. Both martial arts and combat sports of Asian origin (aikido, judo, jujitsu, karate) attract practitioners, mainly due to their usefulness in self-defense. The values connected with training and sportive rivalry (combat sports, rugby) are also noticed. The variable of place (country) is connected with the dominating forms in promoting a given martial art or combat sport.

The sabre school of Count Michał Starzewski as a reflection of Polish fencing traditions

The fencing tradition in Poland has been subject to nu merous research studies carried out mainly by Polish authors [1-7]. Polish sabre fencing, in particular, has attracted interests of many scholars; however, it still remains a little known area outside Poland. This article attempts to outline the development of sabre fencing in Polish history by placing it in a wider European context and taking as its focal point the tenets of the Polish sabre fencing school of Count Michał Ostoja Starzewski. Swordsmanship in Poland, like in other European countries, has been strongly associated with national tradition. In particular periods of Polish history the development of swordsmanship reflected cultural transformations, changes in weapon technology as well as in social perception of sabre duels. The present-day word for fencing in Polish is szermierka, which shares a number of cognates in other European lan guages, e.g. Old French escremie, Spanish esgrimar, Ilalian scrima, German schirmen. In the Old Polish language (9-16 cent.), szermierka had a variety of meanings, e.g. “working the weapon”, “swordsmanship”, “duelling”, “hand-to-hand com bat” as well as “swordplay”. Fencing was frequently mentioned in classic works of Po lish Renaissance literature, e.g. in Mikołaj Rej’s Żywot czło wieka poczciwego (The Life of the Honest Man, 1568), Łu kasz Górnicki’s Dworzanin polski (The Polish Courtier, 1566) and Sebastian Petrycy’s Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej sposobem Arystotelesowym ułożonej (The Polish Commonwealth in Ari stotelian Perspective, 1605). It was also referred to in many famous literary works of 18-century Poland, e.g. in Jędrzej Kitowicz’s Opis obyczajów za panowania Augusta III (17331763) (Description of Customs During the Reign of August III, 1840) [8], or in the memoirs of the great Polish playwright Aleksander Fredro Trzy po Trzy (Topsy Turvy Talk, 1844). The disastrous partition of Poland of 1795 by the neighbouring powers: Austria, Russia and Prussia, and the subsequent abolishment of Polish statehood and national army interrupted the historical development of Polish fencing.

Idokan and IMACSSS for Research and Practice of Judo

History of an institution is created by people (leaders, members) and consists of facts. According this rule, judo people – coaches, researchers and theoreticians – make new judo. What content is created in one chosen journal from area of martial arts science? The example gives us the “Ido Move ment for Culture”, e-Journal of Idokan Poland Associa tion (IPA), International Association for Sport Kinetics (IASK) and IMACSSS. The authors know IPA and IMACSSS very well, because they represent University of Rzeszow, the International Mar tial Arts and Combat Sports Scientific Society (IMACSSS) [1] and Idokan Poland Association (Committee of Scientific Re search and Judo Division of the Dan Committee) [2]. Both of them are judo coaches and sport scientists. In perspective of the Anthropology of Warriors Pathway [3], the analysis of the multidisciplinary judo research in this two scientific societies is presented. It should be a little step toward an explanation of institutionalization martial arts (and combat sports) science. Among martial arts’ and combats sports’ institutions there are some, which are publishers of scientific journals. A part of this area are special scientific associations. The associations and their journals need discussion. Publishers in area of Martial Arts & Combat Sports

A cyclical meeting of experts as a special case of martial arts tourism

Background and Problem. Within the scientific concept of Non-entertaining Tourism the problem of similarities and differences between some cases of martial arts’ tourism was studied. This study serves as a contribution to the state of knowledge on martial arts tourism. Method. The method is a single case study research, both descriptive and evaluative, with participant observation and photographic documentation. Results. It was found that the meeting and seminar being described served both martial arts practice and scientific research, the assessment of the situation and the planning of further activities. Several people were honoured and further stages of cooperation were established. It is a certain novum in reflecting on this kind of tourism that one of its stated goals may be the coordination of activities in the field of the institutionalisation of martial arts. Conclusions. It is important to know that meetings of experts and leaders of martial arts organisations are special cases of martial arts tourism. Such meetings influence the direction of the institutionalisation of this area and developmental tendencies (the preservation of tradition or change).

The culture of Japanese kenjutsu as presented in the book by Sergio Mor- Stabilini

Aim. To review the book The Ancient Art of the Japanese Sword. The ancient school of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu along historical, cultural and spiritual path, and to reflect on the state of research in this area. Method. The method of analysing the content of the literature of the subject was used, as well as a deductive and comparative method. In addition, the author of this article used the shugyo method – his own long-term study and observation. Results. The article contains a theoretical introduction, information about the author, reference to the content of the book, reference to the methodological part – sources and bibliographies editorial and aesthetic sides, a discussion with reference to the literature on the subject and a summary with assessment. This rating is very positive. Conclusion. The particular value of the monograph being reviewed is the synthesis of knowledge and the large number of photographs. The conclusion is this book is a valuable addition to the traditional martial arts publications market.

HEPA Promotion in the Environment of Academic Scientists - Preliminary Research

Abstract The theoretical framework for this research is the sociology of leisure and the sociology of health. Because sedentary behaviour (of employees) is a relevant new research area with important health risks, we decided to focus our attention on this subject. Moreover, sedentary behaviour in the workplace seems to be an important topic for the future. The general aim of the research is to provide a platform for exchange on effective approaches for promoting health-enhancing physical activity among workers, to learn from experiences in different European countries and to promote the most effective approaches across Europe. Two methods of qualitative research were used. The first was the method of expert judges. By way of direct interview, the statements of nine persons were collected, all of whom were recognised as competent judges. The second method was the analysis of the content of the literature (quality method). Using the computer program Atlas.ti, the respondents and their answers were examined. Most of the indications (89%) concerned responses indicating physical activity. In general, the experts are quite physically active and keep a healthy (in their opinion) diet. They have both knowledge and appropriate skills in physical education. They point to the growing interest of younger academics in health and fitness, which may be associated with trends in popular culture, such as a sporty lifestyle, the cult of the body, various healthy diets and supplements, etc., that are becoming the universal fashion. The aim of this work was to provide a platform for exchange on effective approaches to the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity among workers, to learn from experience in different European countries and to promote the most effective approaches across the region. Because the sedentary behaviour of employees is a relevant new research area with important health risks, we decided to focus our attention on this subject.

The situation of the martial arts and combat sports society, and the science of fighting arts in AD 2016

This is a description of the current situation, the news from Poland and from the perspective of the headquarters of the IPA & IMACSSS in Rzeszow starting with a reference to historical events. The editorial refers to international events in the martial arts circle, the issue of a new paradigm of learning and the content of volume 16. These include accounts (factual material), reviews (evaluation) and comments. There is also a preliminary announcement of significant events in 2017 and the publication of volume 17. 2 “IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, Vol. 16, no. 4 (2016) Congress of IMACSSS in Rio Maior (Portugal). This was possible thanks to the efforts of Prof. Dr Antonio Vences de Brito and his team. And it was a big success – organisational and scientific, because of high level of the discours [cf. Vences de Brito 2016]. The review of this event should be published in the next volume of our Journal. The IMACSSS previous conference in Brno still enjoys a positive response [Bugala 2015; Cynarski, Kubala 2015]. Our quarterly has improved its position in the Scopus/Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) from the result of 0.187 for 2014 to 0.198 in 2015. However, progress in our journal was not acknowledged by the experts in the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, who awarded it a score 8 previously it was 10). The editorin-chief appealed against this unjust assessment, but unfortunately to no avail. It is difficult to determine the criteria for the assessment by the ministerial expert team. We are waiting for indexing on the Web of Science hoping that their assessment will be more relevant, substantive and justified. Let us move on to broader questions – new theoretical concepts and a new paradigm for our area of expertise. In the spirit of the new paradigm, the General Theory of Fighting Arts [Cynarski 2016b] is offered as an example. What are the distinguishing features of this new paradigm? They are supposed to have: Firstly: a systemic, and at the same time humanistic approach, which is in line with the preference of our Journal [cf. Cynarski 2013, 2014]. The second trait of the new paradigm, is a change in the state of knowledge as a result e.g. of genetic tests (Y-DNA), which almost lead to a revolution in archeology and ancient history. The third aspect of the change in scientific inquiry concerns the epistemology and methodology of scientific research. In this case it is not only allowed, but also advisable to delve into new categories of sources, such as photography and film recordings (visual sociology and analysis of pictures). These techniques make it possible to illustrate the publications through a film, and one such film presenting one form of karate, Idokan, is now available, and is also on YouTube [Cynarski, Sieber 2016]. It is also advisable to follow the same tracks. While it is usually true that authors should provide no more than 20% of references to their own work, in some cases it is justified. It may happen when a new theory arises from puzzles, and where about 50% of these puzzle pieces have to be created, it is then worth quoting a reference to one’s own work [cf. Hetherington 1996]. Let us return to the second manifestation of the paradigmatic changes. The work of the American geneticists (Klyosov et al.; Underhill et al.; and others) now gives a new outlook to the history of Indo-European peoples and the Slavs. The article The proto-Slavic warrior in Europe: The Scythians, Sarmatians and Lekhs (Cynarski and Maciejewska) published in this volume disseminates this new knowledge, putting presenting a bold hypothesis and attempts to interpret the facts. It is possible a presumptive polemic will be published in subsequent issues. Idokan Poland Association adopted a new project – IPA Project no. 4 / 2017-20. Its specific topics include: 4.1. The cultivation and institutionalisation and adaptations to martial arts in Europe; 4.2. Historical Polish and European fencing factual material, restoration and teaching; 4.3. 70 years of judo-do/ido – the idea and technique; 4.4. Martial arts tourism – analytical and explanatory studies. In the case of martial arts tourism there can be distinguished, by analogy to Alpinism and Himalayan mountaineering – the Big Crown (most Asian ‚magnets’ of tourism of this kind) and its main jewel: Shaolin Temple. This is undoubtedly the biggest attraction for martial arts tourism on a global scale. While the Muai Thai stadiums in Bangkok are interesting for fans of this sport, and Okinawa for karate enthusiasts, Shaolin attracts tourists as the birthplace of many varieties of martial arts. The report from a trip to this famous monastery should be published in the next volume of our quarterly. In this volume we find a new interpretation of Lao Tzu’s and Peter Jahnke’s philosophy of the Way [article: The Christian and the pathway of martial arts]. This is a new reading, indicating the moral proximity of the Way of Virtue of Taoism philosophy and Christian ethics, and the deeper meaning of the ascetic way of martial arts [Cynarski 2016a]. Although in the Japanese version of the Gospel the translation: „In the beginning was the Tao”, can be found, Tao is not identified with a personal God. Kowalczyk [2016] rightly points out that there are fundamental differences between the ontological assumptions of Taoism and Christianity, as well as between personalistic anthropology and the concept of human Taoism or Buddhism. It is encouraging that the circle of researchers on the issue of ‚tourism of martial arts’ is expanding. Noteworthy is the work Beyond Martial Arts Tourism: Outcomes of Capoeiristas’ Apprenticeship Pilgrimages [Griffith 2016], describing the issue on the ground in Brazil. The next issues of our Journal will certainly include more studies on the ‚tourism of martial arts’. Volume 16 contains works from different scientific disciplines. For example they include historical accounts devoted to the traditions of Eastern Asia (Liu, Jung and Shishida) and the history of martial arts and combat sports in Spain (Jimenez-Landazuri et al.). There are studies concerning cultural anthropology (Guodong, Green, Gutierrez-Garcia; Vicente), and from interdisciplinary perspectives, for example: between psychology and coaching (Shapie et al.; Ortenburger et al.). There are also articles representing kinesiology (Vodicka et al.), the general philosophy of sport (Pawlucki), the sociology of sport (Dziubinski; Dabrowski et al.), and also some specialist subdisciplines. These are: 1) the philosophy of martial arts (Martinkova and Parry), the sociology of martial arts (Kusnierz et al.; Ben Messaoud), and the pedagogy of martial arts (Johnson; Arziutov et al.). Some scientific problems are very specific for our profile, like self-defence (Bugala et al.). Some others can be analysed in sport sciences or in the area of cultural 3 Cynarski W.J. — The situation of the martial arts and combat sports society, and the science of fighting... studies. In this context the article by Sieber and Pawelec [2016] concerning the autonomy of the science of martial arts and methods of determining highest competence. It is particularly important. In addition, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of reviews of publications and scientific events. This time we have a series of review articles and another portion of the news in a series Facts and Comments. Today we are waiting for next year’s 50th anniversary of the Japanese Academy of Budo, for a meeting of IMACSSS, IPA and DDBV experts in Munich, for the 25th Summer School of IPA, for the next Symposiums and Workshops. The IPA 24th General Assembly Commemoration Symposium: “Martial Arts in Scientific Research” 2017 in Rzeszow will be mainly devoted to historical sabre skills [Zablocki 2001; Sawicki 2011; Marsden 2015]. And the editorial Committee of our Journal is waiting for your best, new manuscripts, to be published. If you are looking for fresh inspiration please remember our website www.imcjournal.com. We invite you to read and cooperate further, Wojciech J. Cynarski University of Rzeszow Editor-in-chief

Martial arts in area of mass culture – chosen examples of presence

Generally, martial arts are the phenomenon from area of physical culture [1]. But, similarly as sport (ports event) they are present in mass culture [2]. They are in fact extremely spectacular form of physical or psycho-physical culture. The theoretical framework for the research gives here the sociology of culture and anthropology of martial arts [3,4,5]. Aim of the scientific exploration were description and attempt to explain the manifestations of the phenomenon of martial arts in today’s global mass culture. It is interesting to approach the dimensions of showmanship and expression in the martial arts, as pointed out by some cultural anthropologists [6, 7]. In turn, other researchers suggest an association of media and martial arts with myth and archetype [8,p.75-86,9]. What archetype here is the most popular? The authors have adopted the distinction between mass culture and popular culture, „mass culture is content transmitted by technical means of mass media (press, radio and television), which are characterized by, on the one hand, a big centralization of the process for granting and, on the other hand, highly fragmented very numerous and diverse audiences”. And „popular culture can be defined as content that – regardless of the medium – are easy to read, often very conventionalized, and contain clear elements entertainment and thus attract a large audience” [3,p.146]. ‘Physical culture‘ is defined as: „a relatively integrated and rooted system of behaviour in the field of care for the physical development, mobility, health, beauty, physical perfection and the expression of a man running according to accepted patterns within the community, as well as the results of that behaviour” [10,p.28]. In turn, the ‘martial arts‘ we mean: a historic category of flawless methods of unarmed combat fights and the use of weapon combined with spiritual element (personal development, also in its transcendent sphere) [11].