Myth and Identity in the Martial Arts

This book is an investigation of the role of myth and creation of social identity in martial arts, looking at historical contexts and important movements in East Asia and the West, from ancient times to the present day.

Alexus McLeod is professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Indiana University.

Introduction: Creating the Dragon Chapter 1. "I Want to Create a New Chamber"- Historical Foundations and Development of the Martial Arts Chapter 2. "A Finger Pointing to the Moon"-Dance, Ritual, and the Arts of War Chapter 3. "One Should Consider Himself as Dead"-Martial Arts and Deconstruction of the Self Chapter 4. "What's Your Style?"-National, Ethnic, and Cultural Identity in the Martial Arts Chapter 5. "Honestly Expressing Yourself"- Bruce Lee and the Idea of Expression of the "True Self" in the Martial Arts Chapter 6. "Who's The Master?"-Martial Arts Ideologies of Empowerment Chapter 7. "No Mercy"-Contemporary Martial Arts Myth of "Real" Fighting, Control, and Potency Conclusion: Commitment and the Martial Arts as Way of Life