Newly Published Living Heritage Series: Traditional Martial Arts

ICHCAP has published Traditional Martial Arts, the fourth book in the Living Heritage Series, in collaboration with the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter “ICM”). The Living Heritage Series is a series of books on the transmission and safeguarding status of each region and country for specific ICH. It aims to maintain cultural diversity as emphasized by UNESCO by introducing the ICH of various regions by subject and to visually promote its value.

ICHCAP has published the Living Heritage Series: Traditional Medicine in 2017, Tugging Rituals and Games in 2018, and the third series Traditional Food in 2019. In 2020, the title and subject is Traditional Martial Arts, and a total of nineteen manuscripts were collected and published in the books.

This book presents creative and historical traditional martial arts from around the world, such as Taekwondo in Korea, Kaaripayat in India, Thaing in Myanmar, Xilam in Mexico, and traditional wrestling in Central Asia from the perspective of intangible heritage. As an ICH, traditional martial arts are closely related to the environment, history, and identity of the community, passed down through generations, and are immersed in the life of the community through change and re-creation. The transmission of traditional martial arts effectively contributes to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In particular, chapters on influx of judo and kendo that started with the Japanese migration to Brazil, the development of judo through the establishment of the judo and kendo alliance, and the appearance of capoeira in Africa being introduced to Brazil during the Portuguese colonial era and developing into Capoeira Hoda are eye-catching because it includes case studies on movement and development of martial arts as an intangible heritage.

Through this book, the center shares various information with readers, such as the historical background of traditional martial arts, and spreads the value of ICH inherent in martial arts.

This publication will be globally distributed to organizations related to intangible heritage and can be downloaded for free from the center’s website.

In this regard, the center is planning to hold a publication ceremony with author presentations and discussions at the 2020 International Martial Arts Seminar to be held at the International Conference Hall at ICM on November 12, 2020.