Chinese Gong fu : toward a body-centered understanding / R. F. Gonzalez.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gonzalez, R. F., 1979- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Kung fu--Psychological aspects.

Kung fu.

Kung fu--Philosophy.

Hand-to-hand fighting--History.

Hand-to-hand fighting.

Martial arts--Religious aspects.

Martial arts.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (207 pages)

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2019]

Summary:

"Gong fu, the indigenous martial art of China, was exported into American popular culture through numerous "kung fu" movies in the 20th century. Perhaps the most renowned of the martial arts in the U.S., gong fu remains often misunderstood, perhaps because of its esoteric practices that include aspects of Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and other syncretic elements. Using the science of embodiment-the study of the interaction between body, mind, cognition, behavior and environment-practitioner and teacher R.F. Gonzalez explores the relationships among practitioner, praxis, spirituality, philosophy and the body in gong fu. Drawing on familiar routines, films, artifacts and art, the author connects the reader to ancient Chinese culture, philosophy, myth, shamanism and ritual"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: embodiment and Gong fu

Embodied themes

Symbolism and the body

The immortals and other drunkards

The five animals

The black belt ritual.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-4766-3781-4