This book is an investigation of the role of myth and creation of social identity in martial arts, looking at historical contexts and important movements in East Asia and the West, from ancient times to the present day.

Introduction: Creating the Dragon

Chapter 1. "I Want to Create a New Chamber"- Historical Foundations and Development of the

Martial Arts

Chapter 2. "A Finger Pointing to the Moon"-Dance, Ritual, and the Arts of War

Chapter 3. "One Should Consider Himself as Dead"-Martial Arts and Deconstruction of the

Self

Chapter 4. "What's Your Style?"-National, Ethnic, and Cultural Identity in the Martial Arts

Chapter 5. "Honestly Expressing Yourself"- Bruce Lee and the Idea of Expression of the "True

Self" in the Martial Arts

Chapter 6. "Who's The Master?"-Martial Arts Ideologies of Empowerment

Chapter 7. "No Mercy"-Contemporary Martial Arts Myth of "Real" Fighting, Control, and

Potency

Conclusion: Commitment and the Martial Arts as Way of Life

Alexus McLeod is professor of religious studies at Indiana University.