The Martial Arts Commission of the Asian
Traditional Sports and Games Association (ATSGA) is established in
alignment with the UNESCO Convention for
the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003). The
Commission is dedicated to the identification,
safeguarding, promotion, transmission, and revitalization of Asia’s
traditional and indigenous martial arts as living
cultural heritage.
Traditional martial arts are not merely systems
of combat; they embody rituals,
philosophies, social practices, ethical values, oral traditions, craftsmanship,
and community knowledge transmitted from generation to generation. The
Commission recognizes martial arts as a vital expression of cultural diversity, identity, and human
creativity.
UNESCO-Aligned Objectives
In accordance with UNESCO ICH principles, the
Martial Arts Commission aims to:
·
Safeguard traditional
and indigenous martial arts as living intangible cultural heritage
·
Support intergenerational
transmission through education, training, and mentorship
·
Respect and preserve the authenticity, diversity, and cultural context
of martial traditions
·
Encourage community
participation and practitioner leadership in heritage safeguarding
·
Promote martial arts as tools for peace, dialogue, discipline, and mutual respect
Key Functions
·
Documentation and inventorying of traditional martial arts practices,
lineages, and rituals
·
Development of ethical safeguarding guidelines, avoiding over-commercialization
and distortion
·
Organization of martial arts festivals, heritage demonstrations, and cultural
exchanges
·
Support for master-apprentice systems, traditional pedagogy, and knowledge
holders
·
Collaboration with UNESCO-related bodies, cultural institutions, academic centers,
and governments
Safeguarding Approach
The Martial Arts Commission adopts a community-based safeguarding approach,
recognizing practitioners, masters, and cultural bearers as primary custodians of heritage, in line
with UNESCO ICH principles. Emphasis is placed on education, documentation, transmission, and respectful promotion,
rather than standardization alone.
Vision
The Martial Arts Commission envisions an Asia
where traditional martial arts are
respected, practiced, and transmitted as living heritage, contributing
to cultural continuity, social cohesion,
physical well-being, and intercultural dialogue.
Through alignment with UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage framework, the Commission works to ensure that Asia’s martial arts traditions remain authentic, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.
