The Use of Corporal Codes in the Practice and Teaching of Martial Arts

The corporal attitude mostly determines the way we communicate, both in martial arts and in the arts of direct expression such as theatre. Corporal codes refer to our awareness, to the personal image that we want to present. In martial arts, especially Japanese ones, the attitude is important and is ruled by a multitude of codes, the first of which being the outfit. The place where we practise is strictly regulated too. My puppet theatre experience provided me with the keys to martial practice, and conversely, martial arts freed me of the pressure of facing the audience.