Beschreibung:
The first long-term historical-sociological analysis of the development of Japanese martial arts. It uses the theoretical framework of figurational sociology and rich empirical data to make a new contribution to our understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of state formation, all while considering the neglected role of women in martial arts.
1. Introduction, Part I: Warriors, 2. Archery and Sumo as First Traces of Martial Arts, 3. The Emergence of Composite Martial Ryu during the Two Courts and the Warring States Periods, 4. Excursus: the Origins of Martial ryu, Part II: Retainers, 5. The Stabilization of Martial Ryu During Early Tokugawa, 6. The Transformation and Diffusion of Martial Arts During Mid and Late Tokugawa Periods, Part III: Martial Artists, 7. The Identification of Martial Arts with the Japanese We-identity during Meiji, 8. Taisho Democracy as a Transition Phase in the Development of Martial Arts, 9. The Militarization of the Japanese Population Through Martial Arts in Early Showa, 10. Excursus: the Birth of Modern Martial Artists, 11. Reformulation, Expansion and Hybridisation of Japanese Martial Arts, 12. Epilogue