Xingyiquan in Twentieth Century China: Martial Arts Myths, Practice, and Nation Building
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Authors
Bateman, Francis
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Martial arts , Chinese history , Xingyiquan , Nationalism
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the early 20th century, the Chinese martial art Xingyiquan was promoted by the Nationalist government in an attempt to instill nationalist and militarist values in its citizens. This paper explores how Xingyiquan came to be leveraged in this way, why it was employed over other martial arts, and how Xingyiquan training changed as the practice moved from a folk practice to a national institution. Xingyiquan has not been subject to sustained study by English language academics. Thus, this paper relies on Xingyiquan training manuals from the early 20th century as well as interviews with a Xingyiquan lineage holder who provided more context as to the methods within Xingyi practice. While the changing political landscape determined how Xingyiquan was applied and understood, the function of Xingyiquan was always translated through its techniques and enabled by its history and myth. The straightforward techniques of Xingyiquan enabled it to be better leveraged by the Nationalist government than more complex styles like Taichi, which were more difficult to disseminate through the population. This suggests that there is interplay between the formal elements of martial arts practice and its application as a cultural or political force.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.