ABSTRACT
This chapter elucidates the genesis of Chinese martial arts. First, the changing natural and social environment around the primitive people of the stone age that prompted the transformation of barbaric tussles into strategic and skilful fighting is considered. Second to be introduced is the preliminary development of Chinese martial arts in the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, marked by the emergence of bronze weapons, ritual archery for the aristocracy and martial dance. The third section takes a broad look at primitive martial arts among non-Han ethnic groups, such as the horseback archery of the northern peoples. The Warring States period sees prolific development of specifically Chinese ideologies that lay the foundations for a Chinese philosophy which has lasted for over 2,000 years. This chapter also addresses how early martial arts became embedded with ancient Chinese philosophy including Confucianism, Mohism, Taoism, Sunzi and Yin-Yang.
