Abstract:
Martial Arts (MA) are practiced by millions all over the world for fitness, self-defense, and the harmony of the body and mind. Even after having a long history and many forms being recognized as intangible heritage by international agencies and possessing the status of Olympic sport, these knowledge systems continued as an enigma. A large number of myths and misconceptions associated with these traditions and the secretive nature of practices followed made a systematic study of the MA difficult. Martial arts integrates physical exercises and meditative techniques for making body and mind fit as well as medical practices to heal injuries and enhance vitality. Over the past decades, many forms of MA have undergone scientific analysis to know the physical, cognitive and behavioural modifications the practitioners undergo and their impact on physical and mental health. The current talk will illustrate the structure of MA and compare the training systems followed by different traditions. The trajectory of the transformation taken by various traditional martial arts and the myths and misconceptions associated with them will also be discussed.
About the speaker:
Dr Binoy is a cognitive scientist interested in science communication and the reintroduction of endangered animals. He is a keen practitioner of yoga and various martial arts.