Brief History about Martial Arts : What, How, Why & Where.

 

Brief History about Martial Arts

Whenever we heard or read the word "Martial Art", suddenly few things pop up in our mind.

First one is China, which we think the birthplace of Martial arts and second thing is few names like Karate, Taekwondo, Kung fu etc. But these are not the fact. So, here I am trying to share some details on "Martial Art".

Here we try to find the answers for 4 questions like What, How, Why and Where. If we get the answers, then it will be more than sufficient for us.

 So Let’s begin now.

 What is Martial arts?

Martial arts are the combat or fighting techniques which are being practiced for Physical, Mental, and Spiritual development. These are help the Practitioners to boost their strength, agility, balance, power, reflexes, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Martial arts are also focus on improving mental endurance, resilience and concentration, controlling emotions and negative thinking and even, ultimately, exceeding the ego and its mental traps.

Martial arts are of 2 types.

Armed Martial arts: Focus on various techniques using weapons like Nunchaku/Nunchuk, Kenjutsu & Kendo (Sword), Bojutsu (Staff), Kyudo (Archery), Sai, Escrima/Eskrima (Stick), Tonfa, Kama, Knives, etc.

UnArmed Martial arts: Focus to use the different body parts as weapons. Practitioners train every parts of the body to make enough strong to use as weapons. The techniques involve explosive moves such as kicks, punches, and throws. 

Some of the popular Unarmed Martial arts are Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Kick-Boxing, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, jujitsu, Aikido, Hapkido, Krav Maga and so many.

It's History in Brief.

Due to a lack of historical evidences, it is very difficult to trace the history and evolution of martial arts. Martial arts have been influenced by many different factors like historical revolutions, legends, and ancient myths. Revolutions and cultural factors have also threatened to eliminate certain martial arts.

Despite the rich history of martial arts in China, modern day martial arts originated in 527 A.D in India. It is believed that the Great Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (also called Daruma) founded the meditative philosophy of Zen Buddhism and influenced the unarmed combat arts of the Shaolin temple in China. The martial virtues of discipline, humility, restraint and respect are attributed to his philosophy.

How to Choose and Learn Martial Art?

Choosing which martial art to learn can be difficult. There are many choices available. All arts have strengths and weaknesses. Different martial arts will benefit you in different ways. So, pick the one that suits you best and you are interested. 

Remember: There is no superior martial art, just superior martial artist. 

All depends on your PRACTICE, DEDICATION and CONSISTENCY.

Learning Martial art is a Limitless journey. So, before start this limitless journey first you must be prepared mentally and then physically. But if you start the journey it is assured that you will enjoy yourself and will get immense benefits of Martial art.

Why Martial Arts?

Martial arts training aims to result in several benefits to the practitioners, such as their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Physical fitness: Through systematic practice in the martial arts a person's physical fitness may be boosted (strength, stamina, speed, flexibility, movement coordination, etc.) as the whole body is exercised and the entire muscular system is activated.

Mental fitness: Martial arts training help to develop self-esteem, self-control, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Self-Defense: Apart from Physical and Mental fitness, Martial Art teaches so many fighting techniques. All these help you to protect yourself and your loved one in any adverse situation. But remember in any adverse situation your presence of your mind is more helpful than your fighting skill.

Respect: Martial Art teaches you to pay respect to others than fighting. 

Remember “A Good Person is better than a Good Fighter”.

According to Bruce Lee, martial arts also have the nature of an art, since there is emotional communication and complete emotional expression.

Where to learn Martial Arts?

Now-a-days there are so many institutions are available who are providing online training on Martial arts. You can get tons of videos in YouTube on these. But on my view if you are beginner, it will be very helpful to get training in a Dojo (Class room) under the guidance of a Sensei (Master) who can watch and correct your mistakes. Because correct postures, stances and techniques will make you perfect.

Steps to start your training.

• Search a Martial Arts School near to you which are good, affordable.
• Discuss your interest, your goal with the Sensei clearly and take the suggestion.

I experienced that People have many misconceptions about martial arts. Some people doubt that they are too old to start Martial Arts training. Some people think one form is easier than other form.

Age is not a constraint. You can start Martial Art Training anytime in any age. Age is just a number if you have interest to learn. 

Remember: Push your mind and It will push your Body.

Another thing to remember is No Martial Art is easier or tough to learn. If you learn and practice regularly it is easy but if you don’t practice, then it is very tough.

So, if you have such doubts please talk to the Sensei and clear your doubts.

• If possible, take some demo classes to check the quality of the training.
• Join, get started and enjoy the limitless journey of Martial Arts. 

So, respect every Martial Arts. Don't discriminate or disrespect any Martial Arts. Obey and follow your Sensei. The responsibility of Sensie is to show you the Path. It's your responsibility to walk in that path to reach your destination and achieve your GOAL. 

Thank You So Much for your time and interest for reading my blog.

--Kunal--