CHINA SEMINAR | 24 APRIL 2013 | Kai Filipiak| Ming Martial Arts: Characteristic Features and Problems of Research

 

Ming Martial Arts: Characteristic Features and Problems of Research

Speaker:  Dr. Kai Filipiak (University of Leipzig)
Expertise:  Political and Social History of Late Imperial China, Military History, Chinese Martial Arts
Date and time:  Wednesday, 24 April 2013, 15.15-17.00
Venue:  Arsenaal building, East Asian Library, Green Room

Language:  English

Abstract: The paper deals with characteristic features of martial arts during the Ming dynasty. Starting from the question of what martial arts is or seems to be, the paper provides an introduction into types of sources, discusses important trends of martial arts development during the Ming dynasty and explains the social origins of martial arts practice. It will be shown that the development is characterized by aspects of differentiation, specialization, and regionalization of martial arts. Using the example of the military, it can be demonstrated that the practice of martial arts was closely related to its purpose that defined the performance. Finally, the paper presents different social groups practicing martial arts for different reasons. The last section will fix some problems in Ming martial arts research today.

Dr. Filipiak obtained his Ph.D. from Leipzig University. He has been a lecturer at Leipzig University, Philips University (Marburg), and a visiting researcher at  and is currently also visiting professor at People’s University in Beijing as well as senior lecturer in  Chinese Studies at Leipzig University. His publications include a number of articles on Chinese military history.

This seminar is sponsored by Stichting Shilin, Leiden University Journal of Young Sinology.

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