Venezuelan Stick Fighting: The Civilizing Process in Martial Arts

by Michael J. Ryan, Thomas A. Green (Foreword by)

Overview

In Venezuelan Stick Fighting: The Civilizing Process in Martial Arts, Michael J. Ryan examines the modern and historical role of the secretive tradition of stick fighting within rural Venezuela. Despite profound political and economic changes from the early twentieth century to the modern day, traditional values, practices, and imaginaries associated with older forms of masculinity and sociality are still valued. Stick, knife, and machete fighting are understood as key means of instilling the values of fortitude and cunning in younger generations. Recommended for scholars of anthropology, social science, gender studies, and Latin American studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498533218
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	10/05/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	186
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Michael J. Ryan is research associate at Binghamton University.

Table of Contents

1. This is Garrote
2. The ‘Civilizing’ of a Nation
3. Sites and Pedagogies of Garrote
4. Secrecy and Deception
5. Belonging and the Role of Honor
6. Forging the Warriors Habitus
7. The Creation of a National Patrimony
8. Final Thoughts

Editorial Reviews

Venezuelan Stick Fighting provides the first in-depth anthropological study of Garrote. Michael Ryan’s outstanding study comes from years of committed practice, interviews with the most famous players, and a continuous dialogue with the broader field of traditional martial arts.

Matthias Röhrig Assunção

Venezuelan Stick Fighting provides the first in-depth anthropological study of Garrote. Michael Ryan’s outstanding study comes from years of committed practice, interviews with the most famous players, and a continuous dialogue with the broader field of traditional martial arts.

Matthias Röhrig Assunção