Captivation, false connection and secret societies in Singapore
Farrer D
Publication Type: Journal article
Journal
Book Volume: 2018
Pages Range: 36-51
Journal Issue: 5
DOI: 10.18573/mas.48
Abstract
Interminable ritual repetition of set movements (taolu) has resulted in Chinese martial arts facing trenchant criticism as being useless in fight sports, mixed martial arts, and actual combat. In Singapore, the neglect of body-callousing or conditioning methods in Chinese martial arts may render them unfit for unarmed combat. This led me to ask whether the entire edifice of set practice in the martial arts is based upon a false connection. Researching Hong Shen Choy Li Fut, a Chinese fighting style notoriously infested with gangsters in the red-light district of Singapore, I was informed that all Chinese martial arts and lion dance associations are triads. Nevertheless, even here I was shown curious dancelike interpretations for martial arts moves taught. Does the endless repetition of sets captivate the performer into a delusional belief that they are becoming a better fighter? Are the audiences of such sets, performed in dramatic rendition, similarly held captive in a false connection?.
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United Kingdom (GB)How to cite
APA:
Farrer, D. (2018). Captivation, false connection and secret societies in Singapore. Martial Arts Studies, 2018(5), 36-51. https://doi.org/10.18573/mas.48
MLA:
Farrer, Douglas. "Captivation, false connection and secret societies in Singapore." Martial Arts Studies 2018.5 (2018): 36-51.
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