Master Phil in Your Corner Podcast Episode #117: The History of Combat Arts

History of Combat Arts:

I thought this might interest you:

Wrestling, The Oldest One of All

I wrote this back in the 1990’s regarding the sport of wrestling. I thought some of you might find this interesting . . . an historical look at all the combatives.

Wrestling, you might already know, was the first fighting system. It was created by early man and those who studied its techniques tended to survive the longest. Ancient wall paintings and sculptures that date back over 5000 years clearly demonstrates the influence grappling techniques had on civilization. And given the success that wrestlers are enjoying these days at the Ultimate Fighting Championships it’s clear that not much has changed. Wrestling is still the most effective means of self-defense and the most efficient form of attack known to man. Regardless of the hundreds or so various grappling, striking and kicking systems that are being taught globally, wrestling still sits at the head of the table as the father of them all.

Throughout the development of mankind there have been different periods when the ownership of weapons was outlawed by various cultures. It was during these cycles of societal non-violence that the martial arts had their largest periods of growth and popularity. But over time, people began to see the physical arts as much more than just survival skills. It was a means of attaining higher levels of physical and spiritual wellness while stressing the personal qualities of character development, discipline and persistence. These are the primary reasons why wrestling and the rest of the self-defense forms have grown and evolved over the centuries.

Today, as I mentioned before, there are upwards of a thousand different martial art systems, all of which owe their earliest beginnings to our sport of wrestling. Listed below in chronological order are many of the more celebrated arts. They have been placed in a road map format so you might enjoy the journey just a little more.

3000 BC – Wrestling, most likely goes back millions of years to prehistoric man if you believe in evolution or to Adam and Eve if you subscribe to theological beginnings. The first written mention of wrestling dates back to the tombs of Egypt. Then as it is now, it’s the world’s largest and most effective self-defense form.

1500 BC – Boxing, made its official debut as one of the events in Greek pankration history. Today it is looked upon more as a pugilistic sport than an effective form of self-defense.

759 BC – Jujitsu, is the art of the Samurai and a parent of Judo, Aikido and Hapkido. It is known for its specialization in the areas of joint locks and chokes.

557 BC – Shuai Chiao, Known in China as a throwing art. Its strategy is simple, to soften ones opponent with hand and foot strikes before moving in to launch him skyward with a bonebreaking throw.

127 AD – Tang Soo Do, Korea’s oldest form of Karate. It is strictly self-defense in nature and is quite similar to modern day Taekwondo.

210 AD – Hsing I Chuan, is a style known for its vigorous, powerful movements and abundant releases of internal energy. A close relative of kung fu given its fluid and graceful movements.

#masterphilinyourcorner #masterphil #philross #fitness #selfdefense #fighting #kettlebells #kettlebellworkshop #kettlebellking #bodybellmethod #bodybell #strength #strengthandconditioning #personaltrainer #knifefighting #mma #bjj #martialarts #boxing #kickboxing #podcast #professor #weightlifting #training #warriorisland #PPVFlix #upathlete #p3traninggroup #healthisawealth #fitteam #combat #combatarts #bladewielder #survivalstrong #onesleevebjj