Chinese martial arts have a long, meaningful history and deep cultural roots. They blend the physical components of combat with strategy, philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from Western sports.
A History of Chinese Martial Arts is the most authoritative study ever written on this topic, featuring contributions from leading Chinese scholars and practitioners. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all types of Chinese martial arts, from the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC) right up to the present day in the People’s Republic of China, with each chapter covering a different period in Chinese history. Including numerous illustrations of artefacts, weaponry and historical drawings and documents, this book offers unparalleled insight into the origins, development and contemporary significance of martial arts in China.
This is a fascinating read for researchers and students working in sports history, Chinese sport and Chinese Studies.
1 Martial Arts in the Pre-Qin Period (before 222 BC)
2 Martial Arts in the Qin and Han Dynasties and Three Kingdoms Period (221 BC–280)
3 Martial Arts in the Jin and the Southern and Northern Dynasties (265–589 AD)
4 Martial Arts in the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (581– 979)
5 Martial Arts in the Song Dynasty (960–1279)
6 Martial Arts in the Liao, Jin, Western Xia, and Yuan Dynasties (916–1368)
7 Martial Arts in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
8 Martial Arts in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911)
9 Martial Arts in the Republic of China (1912-1949)
10 Martial Arts in the People’s Republic of China (1949-)
Biography
Fan Hong is Professor in Asian Studies at Bangor University, UK and Academic Editor of The International Journal of the History of Sport.
Fuhua Huang is Professor of Sport History at Jiangxi Normal University, China.
