The Journal of Asian Martial Arts is a very serious publication that examines the history, culture, and techniques of a variety of traditional Asian fighting arts.
Published by Via Media in Erie, PA, this quarterly (which also calls itself JAMA, risking confusing some doctors) is in the style of an academic journal, and indeed is a member of the snooty-sounding Council of Editors of Learned Journals. Its large (8.5 x 11 inch) pages leave ample room for illustrations, an essential element of many articles. Aside from the cover, JAMA is printed in black and white.
The issue currently in our newsstand is #1 for 2006, which also happens to be JAMA's 15th anniversary issue. Editor-in-chief Michael A. DeMarco notes in his celebratory editorial that "out of thirty article submissions, only two or three are accepted for publication." He also points out with pride that JAMA will soon be published in Spanish and Greek language editions for European distribution.
The best summation of the journal's content and purpose can be found in its statement of editorial policy:
The Journal of Asian Martial Arts publishes three types of materials: (1) scholarly articles based on primary research in recognized scholarly disciplines, e.g., cultural anthropology, comparative religions, psychology, film theory, and criticism, etc.; (2) more informal, but nevertheless substantial interviews (with scholars, master practitioners, etc.) and reports on particular genres, techniques, etc.; and (3) reviews of books and audiovisual materials on the martial arts.
Like almost all academic journals, JAMA practices peer review, with each article submitted to a couple of editorial board members before it is accepted for publication.
Turning to the anniversary issue itself, the opening article is a very scholarly analysis of why people take up martial arts training in New Zealand. The author posits that it's because they perceive that they are in what she calls a "risk society," and are seeking personal safety, personal health and fitness, more social solidarity, and a meaning and purpose in life. She concludes that those who persist in their study do it for more abstract reasons than simple self-defense and fitness.
Article comments
1 - Selahattin BIYIKLI
THE CLOSE DEFENCE ART
Peoplecan always with kinds bothering and attacks. In these situations defense techniques unite with practical intelligence. Also people’s behaviors and soulsmust been thought in these positions. Preventing from bothering and attacks byusing one of the defense sports ( Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, Kick box atc) Iscalled close defense art.
Theaim of Close Defence Art. In our country and on the world defence is more important in close protection and security which are doing for a sort of time. People who do this job (police, security, Soldier ) are always exposed to kinds of buttering andatackts. In these positions we can see the importance of Close Defence Art
-To improve are of the defense sports for preventing from buttering and attractsand to teach people who do these jobs
-To give theory and tactic lesson to people whosejobs are close protection and security to important their other people.
-Tohelp people who want to carry out this job veil.
To cooperate with other people and foundations in our country and foreign countries for knowledge trade and investigate to be help of improving and wide spreading this art.
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SelahattinBIYIKLI