Obviously, a single work cannot hope to cover such a wide-ranging field
as the martial arts of the world comprehensively. Although every attempt has
been made to include major topics from a broad spectrum of traditions—inso-
far as material exists to document such traditions and qualified authors could
be found to clarify them—any overview cannot be exhaustive within this for-
mat. The richness and diversity of the world’s martial traditions make it in-
evitable that there is much that has been summarized or omitted entirely. The
entries, however, do provide an introduction to the growing scholarship in the
subject, and, to facilitate the pursuit of more specialized topics, each entry con-
cludes with a bibliography of relevant works. Readers are urged to explore their
relevant interests by means of these references. Martial Arts of the World at-
tempts to range as widely as possible in its regional coverage and its subject
matter. In general, longer, more comprehensive essay formats for entries (e.g.,
“India,” “Religion and Spiritual Development: Japan”) have been favored over
shorter entries (e.g., “Zen Buddhism”).
I am indebted to Texas A&M University for a Faculty Development Leave
from the College of Liberal Arts in 1999–2000 that allowed me to devote ex-
tra time to the project at a crucial stage in its development. Courtney Liv-
ingston provided invaluable research on the historical backgrounds of a num-
ber of Asian traditions. My colleague Bruce Dickson lent his considerable
knowledge of anthropological theory and African cultures on more than one
occasion. The nonmartial Roger D. Abrahams, Dan Ben-Amos, and Bruce
Jackson all provided significant research leads during the formative stages of
this project—as they have on so many other occasions. Many martial artists
whose names do not appear in the list of authors made valuable contributions
of time, information, introductions, e-mail addresses, and encouragement:
David Chan, Vincent Giordano, Hwong Chen Mou, Leung Yee Lap, Nguyen
Van Ahn, Peng Kuang Yao, Guy Power, Mark Wong, and especially Jerry
McGlade. I am grateful for the labors of Karl Friday, Gregory Smits, and Jes-
sica Anderson Turner in creating consistency in the romanization of Japanese,
Okinawan, and Chinese languages respectively. Their attention to linguistic
and cultural detail went far beyond reasonable expectations. Todd Hallman
and Gary Kuris at ABC-CLIO took the process—from beginning to end—seri-
ously, but in stride.
My family maintained inconceivable tolerance for my behavior and clutter
when I was in the throes of research. Alexandra was born into the family with
only minor turmoil. Colin provided computer expertise, library assistance, and
camaraderie during field research. My wife, Valerie, as always served as advisor,
translator, and second opinion while keeping us all intact.
My deepest gratitude goes out to you all.
Thomas A. Green
Introduction xvii