martial arts history

This page contains links to information about martial arts. If you want to know about self defense or sport then this is the place. The sporting aspects of the martial arts are taught at schools and colleges all over the country. 

The history of the martial arts is often seen as complex and is not very well documented but some evidence of early martial arts is known. There are many different types or styles of martial arts and each has its own quite unique style and beginnings Some cultures have had a very big impact on the evolution and study of martial arts. Modern martial arts' history is quite often only seen as part of Asian cultures but in reality there were many forms of martial arts practiced in nearly every country on earth for 1000's of years.

The early Greeks practiced a martial art known as Pankration, meaning the art of complete strength. The art itself is comprised of a combination of combative styles including wrestling, grappling, and throws as well as certain boxing techniques. The earliest records of Pankration being practiced is around Seven Hundred BC but all indications are that this fighting style had most likely been in use for a very long time before that and it is still practiced in Greece and other parts of the world today.