Seminar: Martial Arts Studies

In this seminar, we approach the subject of »Martial Arts« primarily from a social and cultural science perspective. More specifically, we examine the tensions between contemporary combat sports and traditional styles, and their significance for social innovation. Particular attention is given to Mixed Martial Arts and Capoeira as two poles of martial practices between cooperation and confrontation. The body, “violence” and play are of particular interest as analytical categories.

In keeping with an embodied approach to teaching à la Turner, practical sessions for first-hand experience are planned. Participants are invited both to contribute their own experiences and to look beyond familiar perspectives and become aware of new aspects. The reading list is kept short, but more material is available for anyone interested in exploring further.

Because of the space available, we are limited to eight participants. Participants need a basic knowledge of academic work, preferably in fields such as ethnology, philosophy, sociology, sports science, education or psychology. Previous experience in combat sports, self-defence, martial arts and/or dance is welcome but not required.

Let us shed a little more light together on the still under-researched field of Martial Arts Studies and explore its educational potential and risks.

Image: two people entangled while grappling on the ground

Reading List

  • (). Body & Soul. Notebooks of an Apprentice Boxer. Oxford University Press.
  • (). Capoeira. Zur Geschichte Einer Afro-Brasilianischen Kunstform Zwischen Anpassung Und Widerstand.
  • (). The Better Angels of Our Nature. a History of Violence and Humanity. Penguin.
  • (). Der Begriff Der Technik Des Körpers. InMauss, M. (Eds.), Soziologie und anthropologie. (pp. 199–220). Fischer-Taschenbuch-Verl..
  • (). Creatively Sculpting the Self Through the Discipline of Martial Arts Training. InDyck, N. (Eds.), Exploring regimes of discipline : The dynamics of restraint. (pp. 99–112). Berghahn Books.
  • (). Selling Yoga: From Counterculture to Pop Culture.
  • (). Homo Ludens: Vom Ursprung Der Kultur Im Spiel. Rowohlt.
  • (). Tales From the Mat: Narrating Men and Meaning Making in the Mixed Martial Arts Gym. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography.
  • (). The Fate of Hyperreality: John Baudrillard and the Sociology of Sport. InGiulianotti, R. (Eds.), Sport and modern social theorists.. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • (). »Deep Play«: Bemerkungen Zum Balinesischen Hahnenkampf. (pp. 202–260). Suhrkamp.
  • (). »As Real as It Gets!« Producing Hyperviolence in Mixed Martial Arts. JOMEC Journal. Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.
  • (). Learning Capoeira : Lessons in Cunning From an Afro-Brazilian Art. Oxford University Press.
  • (). Flow : Das Geheimnis Des Glücks (8. Aufl.). Klett-Cotta.
  • (). Ihr Kampf. Die Werkstatt.
  • (). Headspin: Capoeira’s Ironic Inversions. Samba: Resistance in Motion. 86–126.
  • (). Martial Arts Studies: Disrupting Disciplinary Boundaries. Rowman; Littlefield International.
  • (). The Finest Consumer Object - The Body. In The consumer society. Myths and structures. (pp. 129–50). SAGE Publications.
  • (). An Seinen Grenzen Wird Das Selbst Zum Selbst. Die Reflexivität Des Boxers. InKörner, S. & Schürmann, V. (Eds.), Reflexive sportwissenschaft - konzepte und fallanalysen. (pp. 192). Lehmanns Media GmbH.