A review of the social history and popularity of martial arts.
Throughout website the history and culture of many nations, martial arts continue to be an important reflection of the many traditions and spiritual practices that have shaped their advancement. 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 resemblances in martial arts moves throughout disciplines, there are distinctions in the underlying values and beliefs that shape each practice. For example, kung-fu evolved initially as both a form of defence but also as a reflection of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Similarly, karate from Japan is embeded in traditions of Samurai, with emphasis on notions such as honour and dignity. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would agree that these examples reveal the importance of cultural stories in the historical origins of martial arts.
The practice of martial arts holds a distinct area in human history and culture, as a blend of culture, heritage and physical discipline. As a matter of fact, many forms of martial arts can be connected to broader philosophical and spiritual systems or beliefs. As a way of linking the past to today, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws concepts from essential historical practices. For example, Tai Chi puts focus on harmony and flow from Daoist ideological backgrounds, while in Japan, martial arts are thought to show influences from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner peacefulness. These levels of philosophy are necessary not just for shaping martial arts practices, but for deepening the significance and utilisation of the motions and defence strategies. Entirely, the multidimensional levels of philosophy show that martial arts are not always about defeating an opponent, but more so about personal growth and ethical direction. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would agree this is a strong reflection of the deeper cultural benefits of the original sources of martial arts.
In the modern-day age, martial arts and fitness have evolved to be important worldwide cultural exports. Due to the success of kung fu movies, starring popular martial arts stars, pop culture has presented audiences around the world to both the visual appeals and teachings of Chinese martial arts across societies. Likewise, the addition of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has enabled the showcasing of Korean and Japanese traditions to international viewers, stimulating new interest and appeal for these practices. This process of globalisation has been important, not only for familiarising individuals with self-defence but also for enriching cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. In fact, this exposure has resulted in a combination of regional and worldwide martial arts techniques, developing new formats such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would acknowledge the function of hybridization in modern day martial arts practices, most especially in MMA.