I want to do something on Martial Arts

[Guest WizErnest]

I want to do my Extended Essay on the bio mechanics of the throws in Judo, that being said I have no experience in Judo or any Martial Art and I'm not that good at physics. Is there any way around making my idea into a physics experiment.

 

If that idea doesn't work I think I want to do something on:

• spread of foreign martial arts in America during Bruce Lee's time
• spread of foreign martial arts in America after the UFC 2000's
• why some nations/cultures developed grappling martial arts while others developed striking martial arts

[Sandwich]

I suggest you pick a subject area first and read the requirements - for example, decide to do a History EE and then read the History requirements in the EE guide. THEN come up with a possible topic, then look around and see if there'll be sufficient research to enable you to make a decent stab at an EE and THEN come up with a title based on the availability of research and your knowledge of the subject requirements.

[Guest WizErnest]

I suggest you pick a subject area first and read the requirements - for example, decide to do a History EE and then read the History requirements in the EE guide. THEN come up with a possible topic, then look around and see if there'll be sufficient research to enable you to make a decent stab at an EE and THEN come up with a title based on the availability of research and your knowledge of the subject requirements.

That is actually much smarter than trying to work backward, thanks for the advice!

[Thrashmaster]

I agree with Sandwich. I just wanted to point out that anything in the UFC 2000's is going to be too close to this year for it to count. You need to be more than 10 years in the past, and more is preferable.

[khimberleigh]

I advise not doing anything on the biomechanics/physics of judo unless you actually did judo because looking at videos and reading about it might not be enough to really develop your own question and explore the implications of it. You could possibly do it if you knew someone who did judo and you could actually talk to them and watch them do throws. In terms of subjects, I think history or if you happen to be fluent in Japanese (or another language from a country where martial arts originated from) you could do a language B EE. Though, I recommend that you only do a language B EE if you are fluent or very close to fluent in that language. For a language B EE you would focus on the cultural aspect of martial arts more so than the actual techniques. 

 

I think your third dot point could be quite interesting for a history EE. Although keep in mind that there are other 'types' of martial arts. Judo, for example, is considered to be 'throwing style' and also martial arts like kendo are considered to be 'weapons style.' If your intention was to just focus on the two styles you mentioned that's totally fine, that'll make your EE more specific which is good.

 

Your first dot point also has some potential. You could research what caused foreign martial arts to spread to America and also why some martial arts were more popular than others, and what effect movies and actors like bruce Lee had on that. You could then form a research question based on what you think was the most significant cause of the spread or rise in popularity of martial arts in America. I'm just throwing around ideas ('scuse the pun) it's completely up to you what you do.

 

I actually used to do judo and compete at state and national competitions so if you have questions about the technical aspect of the sport I might be able to help.