Hoplology

.... is the study of the evolution and development of human combative behavior and performance.I saw this term in an article I was reading regarding why there so many fighting systems. So I started to do a little research.

Hoplology explains that fighting systems tend to mirror the

characteristics of the individual training in it. In true fighting systems, the most important

factors are the principles that are taught within the system which if learned, allows the

individual to dominate in combat. These principles are essentially universal... as much psychological as they are biomechanical. Each culture will use the principles and instruction in a different way. And the teachers will put their own individual spin or translation on the style of

instruction and use of those universal principles.

The result? ... many traditional fighting systems for real combat, and an even larger number of systems that have evolved without even stemming from a true combat. (non-traditional)

In hoplological terms, "martial arts" refers to those systems that evolved or were designed for, of, and by battlefield combat.

This society is dedicated to studying such combative behavior.

http://www.hoplology.com/

Check the site out ... pretty intersting.

"This is the law:

There is no possible victory in defense,

The sword is more important than the shield,

And skill is more important than either,

The final weapon is the brain.

All else is supplemental. John Steinbeck

OK a little off subject, but...

KickChick, do you have a cable modem or something like that?

Because you visit WAAAAAYYY too many sites for a 56.6K like me

yes, that is rather off-topic but,

Yeah I'm hooked up very nicely!

But what I do when I "surf" thru sites reading articles, I come across terms which I am not familar with esp. regarding other styles of martial arts. I find it helps in my understanding here (being staff member) ... to look into further.

Reading a "combat article" is where I came across "hoplology" (I actually thought it was some sort of secret plyometric drill and did a search). Doesn't require any fast connections to go and research further.

Hoplology not only studies the inate human behavior with regard to combat but also analyzes weaponry ... when a weapon and its fighting system are analyzed together, the origin and use of weapons becomes much more clear.