Martial Arts and the Inner You

The roar of the crowd as you enter the stadium or streak past the winning post surely has a profound influence on your performance. The surge of adrenaline, the will to win, and the shared experience for both athlete and spectator: what’s going on in the brain is the theme for this series of events. We explore the competitive spirit that exists in athletes. In teams or in solo sports, the relationship between athlete and coach fine-tunes natural talent and the drive to succeed. Dis-ability reveals the extraordinary determination of people with disabilities to overcome adversity. Martial arts, seated in a tradition of combat, demand the harmony of body and mind. Sport would be nothing without the sporting minds of the spectator. What turns mild-mannered people into raging bulls, and what impact does crowd behaviour – whether excited or angry – have on the athlete? This series was produced by Elaine Snell (Snell Communications).

When: 9th June 2012, 10:30 - 16:00

Where: Wellcome Collection, London

More Information: http://www.wellcomecollection.org/whats-on/events/martial-arts-and-the-inner-you.aspx

Description

Martial arts date back many centuries, seated in a tradition of combat. The harmony of body and mind is applied to spirituality, religion, health and medicine. Martial arts demand mental and physical discipline and the controlled release of inner energy. On 9 June, Wellcome Collection will host demonstrations of different forms of martial arts, describing their origins and purpose. How do the fitness acquired and the state of mind necessary in martial arts compare with those in sports and athletics? A teacher of Hapkido (Tammy Parlour) will talk about martial arts as a way of life, and a cognitive psychologist (Bruce Hood, Bristol) will talk about the neuroscience of belief. In addition, the public can take part in a Tai Chi session (led by Athos Antoniades).

Registration Information

This event is FREE to attend. Regitration will open on the Wellcome Collection's website shortly.

Contact Information

Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE, UK

T +44 (0)20 7611 2222
F +44 (0)20 7611 8258
E info@wellcomecollection.org

Deadline Information

N/a