Chinese kung fu fans

For most of us, when we hear the words “martial arts” we immediately think of specifically Eastern Asian forms. Forms such as Karate, Judo, and Kung Fu come immediately to mind. What most people don’t know is that martial arts isn’t limited to Eastern Asia, and is far older than most people think.

The earliest known use of the term “martial arts” was in 15th century Europe. It was used specifically to describe European techniques. Until its common use today, martial arts were called different things by different people. The legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi called it “The Art of Strategy.” Sun Tsu called it “The Art of War.” By whatever name, it signifies systems of formalized combat.

There are extant records of codified fighting styles that date all the way back to the Bronze Age, about 2000 BCE. Wrestlers were depicted in a mural found in the tomb of Amenemhet, the Pharaoh of Egypt. Even earlier than that, “The Standard of Ur” shows an armed battle scene, which implies that even that far back, battles were more organized than a mere -for-all. It’s quite possible that standardized styles of fighting have existed since before written history.

The highly popular Oriental styles are generally agreed to have started with the opening of trade routes between India and China circa 600 BCE. Travel, especially with valuable goods, was dangerous. Many of the strategies and philosophies of combat developed then were gathered in written form in “The Art of War” by Sun Tsu.

Martial arts have continued to exist since the need for self defense has never left our world. The popularity of the Eastern Arts was largely created from the films by Bruce Lee. The philosophy behind his form, Jeet Kune Do, is behind many modern forms such as MMA and Close Combat Training. That is, take what works and throw out the rest.

Fear no man,

Captain Chris Pizzo 
World Leader in Self Defense 
http://www.closecombattraining.com