This article checks out some examples of martial arts throughout history and society.
The practice of martial arts holds an unique area in human evolution and culture, as a mix of culture, tradition and physical discipline. As a matter of fact, many types of martial arts can be linked to wider philosophical and spiritual systems or thinkings. As a way of linking the past to today, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws ideas from important historic practices. For instance, Tai Chi places focus on harmony and flow from Daoist ideologies, while in Japan, martial arts are believed click here to display influences from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner peacefulness. These levels of philosophy are very important not just for shaping martial arts practices, but for deepening the meaning and utilisation of the movements and defence techniques. Altogether, the multidimensional levels of philosophy show that martial arts are not always about defeating an opponent, but more so about personal growth and ethical conduct. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would concur this is a strong representation of the deeper cultural values of the original sources of martial arts.
Within the history and culture of many nations, martial arts continue to be an essential reflection of the many traditions and spiritual practices that have formed their development. As more than just combating systems, martial arts practices represent the cultural stories that express a kind of collective identity and historic battles. While there are a variety of similarities in martial arts moves across disciplines, there are distinctions in the underlying values and opinions that shape each practice. For instance, kung-fu progressed initially as both a form of defence but also as a reflection of Chinese ideology and aesthetics. Likewise, karate from Japan is ingrained in practices of Samurai, with emphasis on notions such as honour and reverence. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would concur that these examples show the importance of cultural narratives in the historical origins of martial arts.
In the modern period, martial arts and fitness have evolved to be crucial worldwide cultural exports. Thanks to the success of kung fu films, starring famous martial arts stars, pop culture has presented audiences worldwide to both the aesthetic appeals and teachings of Chinese martial arts across cultures. Similarly, the addition of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has allowed for the showcasing of Korean and Japanese traditions to worldwide viewers, triggering new attraction and demand for these practices. This process of globalisation has been important, not only for acquainting people with self-defence but also for improving cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. In fact, this direct exposure has resulted in a mix of regional and global martial arts techniques, producing new forms such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would acknowledge the role of hybridization in modern day martial arts practices, most especially in MMA.