Martial: Of, relating to, or suggestive of war or combat Arts: A system of principles and methods employed in the performance of a set of activities; Skill attained by study, practice and observation. (The calligraphy on the right depicts the Japanese characters for budo- -or- martial art)

From the above definitions, we can can understand that the martial arts are systems of principals and methods employed in war or combat. The martial arts are as old as the first fist fight. Over thousands of years, man has developed systems of unarmed and armed combat, which evolved from the first human confrontation. The martial arts are not only ways of fighting, rather, efficient methods of defense and offense. From Africa to Asia to America, conflict has always been present and so has the need for more efficient combative techniques.

Beyond simply being an acquired skill, the martial arts are also a way of life. Through the in depth study of a martial art and the discovery and understanding of its core principles, an individual has the opportunity to grow substantially as a person. The martial way is a lifestyle, not a hobby, and it involves not only physical development but mental and personal development as well. Those involved in martial arts are on a constant journey of self-discovery and personal expression.

The Martial Artist

The martial artist is an individual seeking to empower themselves physically and mentally through rigorous training. At one level, their goal is to become stronger physically and gain a level of proficiency in physical self-defence. On another level, they strive for the mental strength and confidence that will allow them to continually succeed at any physical efforts. To gain higher levels of physical ability, their minds have to be freed from the natural barriers of self-consciousness and insecurity, and be released to the possibilities that they are able to do things they never believed.

Through the martial arts, an individual not only increases their physical prowess: strength, speed, agility; but also increases their self-confidence, self-control and mental alertness. It is the psychological side of the martial arts that brings the individual to a higher level. Bruce Lee said that he practiced the art of 'fighting without fighting'. It's this way of thinking that separates the brawlers from the people who have come to a real understanding of the martial way.

What types of Martial Arts are there?

Most people are familiar with the more popular styles of martial arts from China and Japan, such as Kung-Fu, Judo and Karate. The fact is that there are numerous martial arts originating from many countries. Styles such as what Karate and what we commonly call Kung-Fu, are comprised of many sub styles. Examples of styles from other countries could be ones such as Thailand's Muay Thai  and Krabi Krabong, Indonesia's Pentjak Silat, India's Kalaripayattu, Savate from France, and the list goes on. A style can have a focus on striking or grappling or be comprised of many fighting strategies, each style having their own take on how to implement the strategy.

Click for Wikipedia's list of martial arts and their descriptions.