Possible Origins: A Cultural History of Chinese Martial Arts, Theater and Religion

A New Book by Scott Park Phillips will be the first cultural history of Chinese martial arts. Every day, millions of people practice Chinese martial arts. Most of them would love to read a history that not only incorporates all the latest research, but also uses easily accessible language to connect history to the art they practice. Everyone wants to know where their martial art came from and how it was created—the real story.

Possible Origins provokes and answers questions like: What is a sworn brotherhood? How do talismans work? Why does Taijiquan have so much mime in it? Why does Baguazhang look like a guy riding around on roller skates? Was the Shaolin Monastery a theater school?

Up until now, histories of Chinese martial arts have been ignoring Chinese culture. Possible Origins: A Cultural History of Chinese Martial Arts,Theater, and Religion shows how the practice of martial arts has preserved religious and theatrical traditions hidden inside of martial skills. With 40 images and a straightforward account of the various historical and cultural factors involved, it is easily accessible to the non-specialist.