History Of Martial Arts

It is believed, the history of martial arts dates back more than 2,000 years to Eastern Asia. Over the years, martial arts has grown to include nearly 200 different types, which an estimated 100 million people practice around the world. The various styles of martial arts have been practiced world wide and the styles generally vary from region to region. Each martial arts style was developed at a different point in history and the sport continues to grow to include new styles as the years continue.

The underlying definition of the term martial arts is the "art of combat" or even the "art of waging of war." Martial arts have been used for centuries as a weapon of survival, but is now commonly used as a sport or form of physical fitness and discipline. The movements involved in martial arts are both offensive and defensive, and can also include movements that promote health. The various forms of martial arts can be used for a number of reasons, some include mimicking animal movements to adapt to human fighting, finding one's life force, and even generating strength.

During the start of martial arts, the martial arts lifestyle was a way of life, not just a survival mechanism. It included a religion and philosophy for how one should live. The exact time frame martial arts was developed remains unknown; however, no matter where is began, the art has continued from generation to generation, becoming less of a survival tool and more commonly used for physical and mental conditioning. Over the years, the art has progressed from a “kill or be killed” situation to a form of peaceful living, where it is best to walk away from a fight than be in one.