Historical Sociology of Japanese Martial Arts

<p><strong>Winner of the Norbert Elias Book Prize 2020</strong></p><p>This is the first long-term analysis of the development of Japanese martial arts connecting ancient martial traditions with the martial arts practised today. <i>The Historical Sociology of Japanese Martial Arts </i>captures the complexity of the emergence and development of martial traditions within the broader Japanese Civilising Process. </p><p>The book traces the structured process in which warriors’ practices became systematised and expanded to the Japanese population and the world. Using the theoretical framework of Norbert Elias’s process-sociology and drawing on rich empirical data the book also compares the development of combat practices in Japan England France and Germany making a new contribution to our understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of state formation. Throughout this analysis light is shed onto a gender blind spot taking into account the neglected role of women in martial arts.</p><p>The Historical Sociology of Japanese Martial Arts is important reading for students of Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Sport Sociology of Physical Activity Historical Development of Sport in Society Asian Studies Sociology and Philosophy of Sport and Sports History and Culture. It is also a fascinating resource for scholars researchers and practitioners interested in the historical and socio-cultural aspects of combat sport and martial arts.</p>