num_pages: 272
description: This book is an introduction to the basic principles that underly the perception of the human body in the European tradition with regard to the fighting traditions of the Pagan north. It is from this tradition that the true understanding of the nature of the human can be gained. This tradition has been recognised and honoured throughout history by Pagan Muslim Christian and Atheist alike. It has served people well in spirituality and medicine as well as the fighting arts that are one of the distinguishing characteristics of the human being. The book features certain less prominent yet significant themes from European history which include both texts and artefacts chronicles history legendary history myth prophetic and symbolic writings propaganda and ancient fiction. Even when the raw facts or data may be recorded more or less accurately the meanings functions and contemporary interpretations are not preserved with the artefacts. Historical records are drawn on to give an understanding of the mentality world-view traditions and customs of their times. From the late Middle Ages texts exist that teach both theory and practice of various kinds of European martial arts. They encompass both the spiritual and practical aspects for in truth these must be interwoven if true principles are to be practised. This book is not a manual of the martial arts for as in all crafts one can only learn by doing. The bibliography provides ample texts from the English tradition of the last 400 years manuals of fencing stick-fighting boxing and wrestling.
language: English
title: The Power Within: The Way of the Warrior and the Martial Arts in the European Tradition
publisher: Capall Bann Publishing