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From Ancient Patterns of Hand-to-Hand Combat to a Unique Therapy of the Future

Author

Listed:
  • Artur Kruszewski

    (Department of Individual Sports, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

The purpose of this publication is to provide generalized knowledge of the area of changes that took place over past centuries in relation to health, social and cultural conditions. In Greek mythology, it was necessary to nurture both body and spirit to be a perfect human being. This link between the concepts of physical beauty and goodness can be also found in later works dedicated to ancient Greek history. Particularly in Greek myths, and in Greek education in general, it was believed that both physical and spiritual excellence were necessary to raise men to achieve their true form. Some of the main forms of implementing this idea were hand-to-hand combat exercises (wrestling, boxing and pankration). Ideas characteristic of the world of ancient Greece, in a general sense, can be observed in the culture of the Far East. The main difference is the fact that these principles did not survive in Western culture as a result of transformation into a consumer society focused on the rejection of moral principles. The brutalisation of the forms of the Roman Games meant that the ideals of the ancient world were forgotten for more than 1500 years. The modern Olympic Games were resurrected in the 19th century. Inspired by the ancient Greek cult of health of body and spirit, they gave rise to a movement known as Olympism. In the Olympic Charter written by Coubertin, Olympism was called “a philosophy of life exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind”. The combat sports disciplines have had their place there since the beginning of the modern Olympic Games. The evolution of hand-to-hand combat disciplines, including numerous scientific studies indicating a very broad impact in the area of health, led to this type of physical activity being reached for as an essential element in supporting the health-promoting behaviour of society. Nowadays, physical activity in the area of exercise with elements of hand-to-hand combat, combat sports, or martial arts is an indissoluble link in the prevention and treatment of 21st century diseases. For Parkinson’s disease patients, drug treatment is an essential resource for continuing to function in society, but it will not be completely effective without supporting the treatment with appropriate and attractive physical activity (e.g., “Rock Steady Boxing”). Of similar importance is the prevention of dangerous falls, which are common in this population as well as among the elderly or those affected by other diseases of civilisation. Implementing the principles and techniques of safe falling in the teaching of the young population significantly increases the likelihood of applying appropriate responses to these individuals in adulthood and old age. Actions that should be taken now for prevention can be implemented through social programmes, such as “Active today for a healthy future”.

Suggested Citation

  • Artur Kruszewski, 2023. "From Ancient Patterns of Hand-to-Hand Combat to a Unique Therapy of the Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3553-:d:1071585
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luis Toronjo-Hornillo & Óscar DelCastillo-Andrés & María Del Carmen Campos-Mesa & Víctor Manuel Díaz Bernier & María Luisa Zagalaz Sánchez, 2018. "Effect of the Safe Fall Programme on Children’s Health and Safety: Dealing Proactively with Backward Falls in Physical Education Classes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-8, April.
    2. Katarzyna Kotarska & Leonard Nowak & Mirosława Szark-Eckardt & Maria Alicja Nowak, 2019. "Intensity of Health Behaviors in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Brian Moore & Stuart Woodcock & Dean Dudley, 2018. "Developing Wellbeing Through a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Martial Arts Based Intervention: An Alternative to the Anti-Bullying Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
    4. Katarzyna Kotarska & Leonard Nowak & Mirosława Szark-Eckardt & Maria Nowak, 2019. "Selected Healthy Behaviors and Quality of Life in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-12, March.
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