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Title [Martial Arts Globe] Martial Arts and Society

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    920
  • Date
    08-04-2019
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Photo by Justin Porter, no direct linkage with the below writing.

 

- David Mulwa


Many years later of exposure, martial arts in Kenya has changed and gained its rightful place in the society but there are many challenges to be solved. One challenging being, concentration on specific martial arts which are already general and popularized may start a vicious circle.


Our society like any other in all parts of the world is so diverse in culture, and different ethnic groups from all the regions in the country have different cultural backgrounds. One very basic example is in traditional music. Kenya has 42 tribes and each one of them has a particular way in which it appreciates its music, and this is highlighted during gatherings such as weddings, funerals or even during political rallies just to mention a few. In some instance some dances might seem to resemble, but a critical eye will tell of the difference from a distance. Be it the drum beat, horn or any other music instrument. And we are not in short supply of these.


Martial arts started gaining popularity in Kenya in the late 60s with a lot of challenges due to lack of qualified instructors and information were not free flowing as is the case presently with the development of the internet. Many martial artists used to be associated with hooliganism and indeed there was an element of truth in the sense that martial arts were highly related to fighting of course with no proper guidance. This was to the detriment of many, who fell by the wayside when the going got tough.


Many years later of exposure, martial arts in Kenya has changed and gained its rightful place in the society because it’s being taught in schools, institutions and the hooliganism tag is a thing of the past. The situation has changed but there are many challenges to be solved. One challenging being, concentration on specific martial arts which are already general and popularized may start a vicious circle. This could lead to a lack of learning opportunities, insufficiency of facilities, and in the long-term, elimination of diversity in martial arts. The challenges notwithstanding, many disciplines in the country have earned recognition and they have become members of international and well established bodies.  


 

 ※ This writing does not reflect the opinion of UNESCO ICM.