The world has always been fascinated with martial arts and its origins. Unlike simply using a gun or brute force when fighting, martial arts go by certain principles. Maybe you can say that it is more than just a fighting style. It is a way of life. Besides, no other fighting form is as graceful as martial arts. It is so enthralling that watching a professional in action is like watching a very well choreographed dance routine. Another thing that is simply amazing about it is the fact that it is not about brawn and how huge you are. In fact, some of the best martial artists are quite small and yet they are unbeatable in battle.
Among the most well known types of martial arts are those that originated in the land of the rising sun. The question is where did the Japanese martial arts originate? That is a tough question since no one knows exactly the beginnings of this form of art. One thing is certain though, it can be traced all the way back to samurai traditions.
Taking a look at the ancient samurai is a great way to determine where did the Japanese martial arts originate. Samurais are skilled warriors who pledged their life to protect the people. They are disciplined and have evoked self improvement techniques that are very much aligned with martial arts as we know it today.
Unlike martial arts in other parts of Asia, Japanese martial arts make use of complex weaponry, which is really helpful in combat. Due to modernization, these traditions slowly faded but some people who were devoted to martial arts refused to let it die completely. Hence they taught martial arts in schools and even developed their own style. Famous ones such as Jude or Tae Kwon Do are only some of the results of these schools of thought. As you would notice, modern martial arts no longer make use of weapons. Many of the martial artists are unarmed during combat.
Martial arts have evolved a great deal from the time of the ancient samurai to the present. Still, martial artists then and now move with such grace and fluidity, which shows that the basic principles stayed the same. Martial arts may have been rooted in the culture of ancient Japanese civilization however it has adapted to modern times as we know it today.
