Chinese Gong Fu: Toward a Body-Centered Understanding

by R.F. Gonzalez

Overview

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--this book 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476637815
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	10/04/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	206
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

College writing instructor R.F. Gonzalez, Ph.D., has been involved in the martial arts for several decades. He lives in Irving California, and his website is www.rfgonzalez.com.
College writing instructor R.F. Gonzalez, Ph.D., has been involved in the martial arts for several decades. He lives in Irving California, and his website is www.rfgonzalez.com.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: Embodiment and Gong Fu
One. Embodied Themes
Two. Symbolism and the Body
Three. The Immortals and Other Drunkards
Four. The Five Animals
Five. The Black Belt Ritual
Conclusion: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Kung fu is a blend of ritual, spiritual practice, animism, and martial arts that holds a unique place among the world’s cultural traditions. Gonzalez brings much-needed insight into this complex and often misunderstood tradition. Chinese Gong Fu will become a cornerstone of kung fu studies.”—Thomas Riccio, professor of performance and aesthetic studies, University of Texas at Dallas

“Chinese Gong Fu: Toward a Body-Centered Understanding is a fascinating look into both the what and the why of gong fu as well as the union of body, soul, and environment that helped the ancients bring balance to their lives and which still brings calm to gong fu practitioners today.”—Antonio Graceffo, PhD, author of The Monk from Brooklyn: An American at the Shaolin Temple.

From the Publisher