Five Facts About Martial Arts You Didn’t Know

We've come to associate the phrase "martial arts" with a certain type of fighting - usually the styles that originated in the Far East. But when it comes to this unique field of study, we might not know as much as we think we know. The popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) today has brought more martial arts to Western culture, but there's always room to learn more! Here are five facts about martial arts that you probably didn't know.

1. The term "martial arts" simply refers to all types of combat. Getting the word from Mars, the Roman god of war, the world "martial" generally refers to all things conflict. So the "martial arts" generally translates as "the conflict arts," or the art of combat. If someone asked you to name a martial art, you might tell them Kung Fu or Karate - but the martial arts aren't limited to the styles of the Far East. Fencing is as much a martial art as ninjitsu, for example.

2. Martial arts with codes of conduct generally are linked to the Far East. Philosophies in the Far East, including Daoism and Confucianism, have an influence on how we view traditional martial arts - as having a code of discipline or set of moral principles. This is not a requirement of a martial art, however.

3. Much of the martial arts developed through trade. Though you don't often associate trading with martial arts, many styles did develop partially due to the influence of expanding trade. For instance, many martial arts of China and India were developed in the areas near the Silk Road.

4. Today's revival of interest in martial arts is largely due to Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee, a film star and martial artist in the 1960s and 1970s, had a lot to do with the recent rise in interest in the martial arts. He is also sometimes credited with bringing about the idea of "mixed martial arts," or martial arts that borrow from different disciplines in order to create a more ideal discipline.

5. Martial arts are constantly evolving. Though some disciplines stay true to their heritage, today's modes of combat change with technology. With advanced robotics and satellite linking, navigation and manual tasks can often be lead to robots rather than people.

Photo Credits: MorroBayChuck

Originally posted 2009-12-29 03:36:16.

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1960s, bruce lee, codes of conduct, Confucianism, Daoism, disciplines, Fencing, god of war, karate, martial art, martial artist, mixed martial arts, moral principles, ninjitsu, philosophies, revival, roman god of war, silk road, traditional martial arts, western culture

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Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on August 17, 2010 in Martial Arts. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.