This post checks out some examples of martial arts across history and culture.
Throughout the history and culture of many nations, martial arts remain to be an important reflection of the many customs and spiritual practices that have shaped their development. As more than just combating systems, martial arts practices exemplify the cultural narratives that reveal a type of collective identity and historical battles. While there are a number of similarities in martial arts moves across disciplines, there are distinctions in the underlying worths and opinions that shape each strategy. For instance, kung-fu progressed initially as both a type of defence but also as a representation of Chinese ideology and aesthetics. Likewise, karate from Japan is embeded in traditions of Samurai, with emphasis on notions such as honour and dignity. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would concur that these examples show the importance of cultural narratives in the historical origins of martial arts.
The practice of martial arts holds an unique space in human evolution and development, as a mix of culture, heritage and physical discipline. In fact, many types of martial arts can be connected to wider philosophical and spiritual systems or thinkings. As a way of connecting the past to the present, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws concepts from crucial historic practices. For example, Tai Chi places focus on balance and flow from Daoist ideological backgrounds, while in Japan, martial arts are believed to display impacts from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner peacefulness. These levels of philosophy are important not just for forming martial arts practices, but for deepening the significance and utilisation of the motions and defence strategies. Entirely, the multidimensional levels of approach reveal that martial arts are not necessarily about defeating an enemy, but more so about personal growth and ethical direction. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would agree this is a strong reflection of the much deeper cultural values of the original sources of martial arts.
In the modern-day period, martial arts and fitness have developed to be essential international cultural exports. Thanks to the success of kung fu films, starring popular martial arts stars, popular culture has presented audiences around the world to both the appearances and teachings of Chinese martial arts across civilizations. Likewise, the addition of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has allowed for the showcasing of Korean and Japanese customs to international audiences, stimulating new attraction and allure for these practices. This process of globalisation has been important, not just for acquainting people with self-defence but also for enriching cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. As a matter of fact, more info this exposure has caused a mix of local and global martial arts techniques, producing new forms such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would recognize the function of hybridization in modern day martial arts techniques, most particularly in MMA.