Abstract - Fighting arts: between formality and spontaneity
Background. The cultural phenomenon of ‘fighting arts’ requires interdisciplinary research focusing on multiple aspects. The current study adopts a viewpoint defined by the General Theory of Fighting Arts. It also uses related conceptual terminology. The preferences related to the basic teaching method – the forms or rejection of these – are treated here as a specific institution, or ‘habitus’.
Problem and Aim. We are seeking to answer the following question: What is the attitude to safety and combat, to practice and to health, depending on the choice/preferences of formality or spontaneity?
Method. The study applies, in a complementary way, two methods of qualitative research: long-term participant observation, and content analysis of the related literature. A broad discourse of the thematic sources and elaborations have been taken into account together.
Results. It is possible to identify extreme attitudes (practice of technical forms exclusively, or complete/nearly complete renunciation of these) as well as a number of intermediate forms. Traditionalists are eager to study original forms, while revolutionaries (such as Bruce Lee) prefer sparring. Generally speaking, practice of forms and recreational training produce more health-related benefits, while fighting practice leads to faster acquisition of fighting skills.
Conclusions. An individual’s attitude to formality and spontaneity results mainly from their approach to tradition. Moderation and balance between the formal and the spontaneous appear to lead most effectively to success, without a risk of health loss. The success/award will consist of effective training, fighting skills, good health potential and a sense of security. This however requires years of practice. Any shortcuts are highly risky.