Why Capoeira Developed in Brazil...

by Lee Jonggil

Published 10 Nov.2020 10:49(KST)

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Intangible Heritage Center Publishes 'Living Heritage: Traditional Martial Arts'

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre and the UNESCO International Martial Arts Centre announced on the 10th that they have published "Traditional Martial Arts" as the fourth series of the serial publication "Living Heritage." The book compiles nineteen manuscripts collected from researchers around the world related to martial arts. It introduces historical traditional martial arts from around the world from the perspective of intangible heritage, including Korean Taekwondo, Indian Kalaripayat, Myanmar Thaing, Mexican Xilam, and traditional wrestling from Central Asia. An official explained, "They are closely connected to community environments, history, and identity. They are passed down through generations, undergoing changes and recreations, and are re-integrated into the life of the community." They added, "This transmission plays an important role as a driving force of cultural diversity and as a means to guarantee sustainable development." The book also includes case studies on the movement and development of martial arts. A representative example is how African Capoeira was introduced to Brazil during the Portuguese colonial era and developed into Capoeira Roda. The official said, "You will be able to find various information such as the history and historical background contained in traditional martial arts."