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Martial Cultures Introduction

Sometimes there is as much to be learned about the martial arts from an outside perspective as from within. The martial arts do not exist within a vacuum; they are subject to the same social trends and social pressures as any other part of life. Supplemental and tangential subjects often provide new insights concerning the philosophical foundations, intellectual frameworks, scientific principles, and assumptions about human nature that impact and influence the martial arts. Studying related fields allows us to see how the martial arts world relates to the greater whole, and this allows us to further appreciate the meanings, significance, and contributions of various aspects of the martial arts.

We refer to all these related fields that impact the martial arts as martial cultures. While the following books are not exclusively focused on the martial arts and may not even mention them by name, the subjects matter will deepen the martial artists knowledge and appreciation for his craft.

The Must Read List

• On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society., By Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. BackBay Books, 366 pages.

The Recommended List

• Intellectual Foundations of China, by Frederick Mote. McGraw Hill Publishing, 114 pgs.

Other Books Necessitating Comment

• Korea Old and New: A history., By Eckert et. al. Ilchokak publishers/Harvard University Press, 418 pages.

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Last modified: July 13, 2007