Historical Perspective

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General information on martial arts and self-defense.

Chinese Kongfu Series: Wudang Style Wushu Combat, Part 1 of 5 (YouTube)
“Have you watched Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tigers, the Oscar winning action movie? The heroine Zhang Ziyi jumped off the cliffs of --- Wudang Taoist Temple on the Wudang Mountains, central China. National Geographic brings us closer to the Wudang Style of Wushu/Kongfu, another important branch of Chinese Kongfu parallel to Shaolin. The Kongfu actions are similarly breathtaking, but absolutely different from Shaolin!” (Originally Published: 5/29/2007; Last DCTKD update: 12/22/2007)
Myths & Logic Of Shaolin Kung-Fu, Part 1 of 5 (YouTube)
"Kongfu is not only a form of combat, but a form of life to the Chinese. Dating back to 200 B.C, Shaolin Temple has influenced Chinese Kongfu for thousands of years. National Geographic takes a closer look at the internal logic of Kongfu exemplified by Shaolin, and reveals some popular myths about it." Running Time: 9 min 25 sec (Originally Published: 5/29/2007; Last DCTKD update: 12/21/2007)
The Essence of Judo (Google Video)
“Kodokan Judo 10th dan Kyuzo Mifune and his students demonstrate Judo tachi- and ne-waza techniques, randori and kata.” This b&w video (from late 1940’s?) is an excellent resource.
Running Time: 1 hr 3 min (Originally Published: 5/23/2006; Last DCTKD update: 12/13/2007)
Kronos: A Chronological History of the Martial Arts and Combative Sports
Joseph R. Svinth, editor-in-chief
A very comprehensive document; well worth the time to read. "The purpose of this chronology is to introduce the history and development of the world’s martial arts and combative sports. Rather than a completed proprietary work, it is very much a work-in-progress and reader input is solicited." (Originally Published: 12/26/2005; Last DCTKD update: 12/26/2005)
The Monk From Brooklyn (travel.canoe.ca)
...an American at the Shaolin Temple
by Antonio Graceffo
Have you wondered what training at the Shaolin Temple would be like? This is a somewhat irreverent yet entertaining account of one person’s time doing so. (Originally Published: 2/18/2004; Last DCTKD update: 2/18/2005)
Samurai Archives
A comprehensive site that has both information as well as extensive lists of links for more information. A good place to start for a history lesson. (Originally Published: 11/24/2003; Last DCTKD update: 11/30/0002)
Martial Arts Guide (Discovery Channel)
Thin on details, but fairly broad overview of various martial arts from around the world. Includes a video section. (Last DCTKD update: 7/10/2007)