A Graphic Novel for Young Martial Artists of all ages.
Beyond combat, martial arts traditions are rich with symbolism, philosophy, mythology, and moral inquiry. These works showcase themes of balance, destiny, discipline, transformation, and the relationship between the individual and society.
Over the past half-dozen years martial arts media has grown from stereotypical action stories into a diverse range of works that reflect a greater cultural representation, genre experimentation, and independent publishing.
But what if you’re totally unfamiliar with martial arts?
Use this reading list…
A Kung Fu Master once told me “if you have 5 minutes to chop down a tree, sharpen that axe for four.” Take a dive into one of martial arts’ lesser known holidays Guan Gong’s Blade Sharpening Day
Read 1 of the nearly 500 “marvel tales” found in Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio the 1880 translation of Liáozhāi Zhìyì (聊齋誌異) by Herbert A. Giles. London – It’s a collection of stories or by Qing Dynasty writer Pu Songling (蒲松齡)
Yaoguai Wednesday continues with a spotlight on Asia’s most iconic undead creature of folklore the Jiāngshī (殭屍) or hopping vampire. Don’t be fooled by it hopping it is also capable of giving chase by running, and if sufficiently ancient, flight.
Tóngzigōng (童子功) will not teach you how to break bricks or resist spears but it is an ancient and foundational practice – and it could be associated with sidekicks…
