Martial Arts and the Paranormal
by Melvyn J. Willin, PhD, White Crow Books, Novemver 2026
In Martial Arts and the Paranormal, Melvyn J. Willin, PhD, brings together decades of research to examine one of the most intriguing—and controversial—areas of martial arts. Drawing on historical sources, scientific studies, eyewitness testimony, and the experiences of practitioners, he explores the relationship between martial arts, consciousness, spirituality, and claims of paranormal phenomena.
The book investigates topics ranging from ESP, psychokinesis, meditation, qigong, acupuncture, and altered states of consciousness to stage deception, suggestion, placebo effects, and the psychology behind remarkable demonstrations. It considers the teachings of traditions such as Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and Yoga alongside modern neuroscience, parapsychology, and experimental research.
Rather than arguing for blind belief or outright dismissal, Willin adopts a balanced, evidence-based approach. He distinguishes between fraud, misunderstanding, and genuinely puzzling phenomena while asking where the boundaries of human capability truly lie.
Scholarly yet accessible, Martial Arts and the Paranormal offers a thought-provoking exploration of the meeting point between martial arts, science, and the unexplained. Whether you are a martial artist, researcher, sceptic, or believer, this book challenges assumptions and invites readers to reconsider the hidden potential of the human mind and body.
‘There are not many people with expertise in both the martial arts and the paranormal, so Dr Willin provides a unique perspective on the link between these topics. A particular strength of the book is the balance between credulity and scepticism in assessing the more exotic capabilities of martial artists, a quality that the author has already demonstrated in his previous books on the paranormal. So the subtitle is “fact and fiction” rather than “fact or fiction”, reflecting his opinion that a mixture of normal and paranormal abilities may be involved. Perhaps this intellectual balance reflects the physical balance required in the martial arts themselves. The book also contains a comprehensive list of references and a useful glossary of the huge number of eastern terms (some bewilderingly similar) associated with the field. However, this is not just an academic work since it also features many enthralling accounts from the author’s personal experience.’ (Bernard Carr, Emeritus Professor, Queen Mary University of London, Vice-President and former President of Society for Psychical Research)
‘A serious study of the paranormal within the martial arts is long overdue, making Dr Willin’s book both timely and significant. It offers a fascinating exploration of some of the more obscure and often overlooked aspects of the martial arts.
As a lifelong martial artist and enthusiast of paranormal studies, I found this book both engaging and informative. It is immediately apparent that the author has devoted considerable time and research to this subject, expanding the boundaries of existing knowledge and breaking new ground.
This is a unique and valuable contribution to the literature, and I highly recommend it to all martial artists, especially those with a serious interest in the more esoteric and arcane dimensions of the martial arts.'(Prof. Jaimie Lee-Barron, PhD, 10th dan hanshi, President, Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences)
About the author
Dr. Melvyn J. Willin is a prominent figure in psychical research, currently serving as the Honorary Archive Liaison Officer to the Society for Psychical Research. He has previously held positions as the Events Officer and Editor of the Ghost Club magazine. In recognition of his research contributions, Dr. Willin has been awarded several grants from the Perrott-Warrick Foundation.
In addition to his work within the psychical research community, Dr. Willin has authored several books that explore a variety of topics in some publications relating to paranormal phenomena and music. His publications include The Enfield Poltergeist Tapes, Ghosts Caught on Film, Music, Witchcraft, and the Paranormal, and The Musical Perspective of Near-Death Experiences. Dr. Willin’s diverse body of work showcases his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of psychical research. His forthcoming book, Martial Arts and The Paranormal: Fact and Fiction? will be published in 2026 by White Crow Books.
