Auvifer T Gascon, RCrim, MPA
Public Servant
HISTORY
OF
MARTIAL ARTS
(Pre-5th Century): Martial arts can be traced back to
ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, India,
and China. Early forms were developed for hunting,
self-defense, and military training.
Chinese Martial Arts (5th - 16th Century)-Kungfu
Japanese Martial Arts (8th - 19th Century)-karate,
Judo, and Aikido
Can be divided into the armed and unarmed arts
Refer to a diverse range of practices and systems
developed primarily for self-defense, combat, and
physical training.
These practices often integrate techniques for fighting,
self-discipline, and personal development.
The term "martial arts" is a broad category that
encompasses various styles and traditions, each with its
own philosophies, techniques, and training methods.
Kung Fu:
Traced to the Zhou dynasty (1111–255 BC) and even earlier
A martial art, both a form of exercise with a
spiritual dimension stemming from concentration and self-
discipline and a primarily unarmed mode of personal combat
often equated with karate or taekwondo.
A traditional Chinese martial art known for its diverse
techniques and forms, including styles like Wing Chun and
Shaolin Kung Fu.
Kung Fu:
Can also signify careful preparation for the performance of
any skillful endeavor without interference from the intellect
or emotions.
The various movements in kung fu, most of which are
imitations of the fighting styles of animals, are initiated
from one of five basic foot positions: normal upright
posture and the four stances called dragon, frog, horse
riding, and snake.
Kung Fu:
FROG
- powerful bone breaking
kicks, leaping collisions,
take-downs, throws, fast
spear hand strikes, and
ripping, raking, stabbing
grips with the hands. The
powerful toughened legs of
Frog are also used for
reaps, and sweeps that
hook, pull, and capture.
Kung Fu:
DRAGON
- Symbolizing "Shen," develop a
powerful mind and sharpen focus.
- They feature swaying, curving,
majestic movements, and Shen-Fa
(body movement) for defense and
attack. The dragon palm is used to
form the dragon, combining
defense and attack in a single
pattern.
Kung Fu
HORSE RIDING
The horse stance, also known as mǎbù
in Chinese, kiba-dachi in Japanese, and
juchum seogi or annun seogi in Korean,
is a common posture in Asian martial
arts, used in fighting and exercises.
In northern Chinese martial arts like
Mizongquan and Chaquan, the ideal
horse stance involves forward feet,
parallel thighs, pushed buttocks, and
arched back to prevent forward
leaning.
Kung Fu:
SNAKE
- a Shaolin boxing style, one of
several Chinese martial arts known
as "snake boxing" or "fanged snake
style" (Chinese: pinyin:'snake fist')
that imitate the movements of
snakes.
- Snake's fluid motion, particularly
in Chinese straight sword and
Yang-style tai chi, Baguazhang, and
Xingyiquan, is a key element in the
practical theory of "soft" martial
arts.
Karate
A Japanese martial art focusing on striking techniques,
including punches and kicks.
Unarmed martial-arts discipline employing kicking, striking,
and defensive blocking with arms and legs.
Emphasis is on concentrating as much of the body’s power as
possible at the point and instant of impact.
Karate
Striking surfaces include the hands (particularly
the knuckles and the outer edge), ball of the foot,
heel, forearm, knee, and elbow
Evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries,
becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th
century, probably by people forbidden to carry
weapons. It was imported into Japan in the 1920s.
Karate
Originating from ancient Chinese martial arts, it has been influenced
by Okinawa martial arts, such as Shurite, Nahate, and Tomarite.
In the early 20th century, Gichin Funakoshi popularized Karate outside
Okinawa, founding Shotokan Karate and codifying techniques, kata,
and principles.
Key elements of Karate include techniques, kata, and kumite, which
emphasize self-defense and discipline. Modern developments include
sport Karate, which has become a competitive sport with events and
tournaments worldwide, and continued evolution, with various styles
and schools adapting to contemporary contexts.
Judo
It was founded by Kanō Jigorō in 1882, who aimed to create a martial
art that emphasized technique, skill, and physical education over brute
strength and violence
A Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that emphasizes throws and
grappling.
a modern martial art and Olympic sport, has a fascinating history that
intertwines with the development of martial arts and education in
Japan. Its creation and evolution reflect both the traditional Japanese
martial arts and the innovative ideas of its founder.
A traditional Japanese martial art, originated from jujutsu, a traditional
martial art used by samurai for self-defense
Taekwondo
A Korean martial art known for its high, fast kicks
and dynamic movements.
Korean martial art renowned for its dynamic kicking
techniques and high-flying moves, has a history that
intertwines traditional Korean martial arts with
modern developments and international influences.
Its evolution reflects a blend of ancient practices and
contemporary martial arts trends.
Taekwondo
Its roots can be traced back to Taekkyeon, a fluid, rhythmic martial art, and
Hwa Rang Do, a martial art practiced by Hwa Rang warriors of the Silla
dynasty.
The modern Taekwondo movement emerged after the Japanese occupation
of Korea, with the formation of Taekwondo in the 1940s and 1950s
General Choi Hong Hi significantly contributed to the development and
promotion of Taekwondo, establishing standardized forms (poomsae) and
promoting it internationally.
Taekwondo's modern development includes a focus on points-based
sparring and forms competitions, while its traditional training emphasizes
self-defense, discipline, and philosophy.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
A martial art focusing on ground fighting and
submission techniques, with an emphasis on
leverage and technique.
Martial art known for its emphasis on ground
fighting and submission grappling. Its history is a
fascinating journey from traditional Japanese jiu-
jitsu to a modern sport practiced worldwide.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its roots in traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu,
a martial art developed by samurai for self-defense.
Mitsuyo Maeda, a prominent Japanese judoka, introduced
judo and jiu-jitsu to Brazil in 1914.
Carlos Gracie, a student of Maeda, and his brothers
developed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on ground fighting and
leverage, which became central to the sport.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained international recognition with the
creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993.
Royce Gracie's success in MMA led to a surge in interest in BJJ.
BJJ expanded globally, with schools and academies established
and international competitions like the Mundials.
Modern BJJ continues to evolve with new techniques,
strategies, and variations.
It has a robust competitive scene, influencing MMA and self-
defense.
Self-Defense
Martial arts aim to teach individuals personal
safety and situational awareness, focusing on
defending against attacks, escaping
dangerous situations, and neutralizing threats,
while also enhancing their ability to assess
and respond to potential threats.
Physical Fitness
Martial arts training enhances strength,
endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health
through physical activities, while requiring
precise movements and coordination for
improved agility and motor skills.
Mental Discipline
Training in martial arts involves intense
concentration and mental focus, improving
cognitive functions and attention span. This
physical activity can also reduce stress and
enhance mental well-being.
Personal Development
Mastering martial arts skills boosts self-
esteem and discipline, fostering a strong
work ethic and perseverance through
progress and accomplishments.
Competitive Sports
Competitive martial arts foster skill
development, personal and athletic
growth, and teamwork and
sportsmanship, enhancing personal and
athletic skills in individual sports.
Health and Wellness
Martial arts promote a holistic approach to health,
integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-
being. Regular practice can prevent injuries and
enhance overall quality of life.
Self-Defense Skills
•Provides practical skills for protecting
oneself and others, contributing to
personal safety and security.
Physical and Mental Health
• Offers a comprehensive workout that benefits
cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and
mental resilience.
• Helps in managing stress and anxiety through physical
activity and mental focus.
Character Building
• Cultivates important life skills such as
discipline, respect, perseverance, and
self-control. These attributes can
positively impact personal and
professional life.
Cultural Preservation
•Preserves and promotes traditional
cultural practices and philosophies,
maintaining the historical and
cultural heritage of martial arts.
Community and Social Interaction
• Creates a sense of community among
practitioners, fostering social interaction and
support. Martial arts schools and clubs often
become close-knit communities where
individuals support and learn from each other.
Personal Achievement
•Provides a framework for setting and
achieving goals, whether in mastering
techniques, earning higher ranks, or
participating in competitions.
Educational Benefits
• Enhances cognitive skills like problem-
solving and strategic thinking, which can
be applied in various aspects of life.
Martial arts doctrine emphasizes respect,
discipline, balance, humility, and perseverance,
promoting harmony between mind, body, and
spirit.
It offers personal development, ethical conduct,
and social engagement.
Core Principles
of
Martial Arts Doctrine
Respect and Etiquette
Martial arts emphasize respect for instructors,
peers, and oneself, promoting honor,
acknowledgement, and etiquette. It also values
the rich historical and cultural traditions of
martial arts, preserving their integrity and
continuity.
Discipline and Self-Control
Mastery of martial arts requires discipline,
including mental and physical discipline, and self-
control.
It involves rigorous training, adherence to
techniques, and controlling impulses and
emotions, ensuring responsible and ethical use of
skills.
Balance and Harmony
Martial arts emphasize balance in
technique, involving body, mind, and
spirit alignment. Harmony with nature is
also a key concept, promoting a mindful
approach to training and personal
conduct.
Humility and Integrity
Practitioners are encouraged to maintain
humility, promoting self-improvement and
respect, while upholding integrity in martial
arts, involving sincerity, genuine intent, and
upholding moral principles.
Perseverance and Resilience
Martial arts foster resilience and adaptability
in practitioners, enabling them to overcome
challenges and adapt their strategies to
changing circumstances in both training and
life.
