MMA Midtown East : Igor Dyachenko’s knowledge

MMA Midtown East : Martial arts are hugely popular today. Millions of people participate in a martial art, while countless others spectate. Children take up martial arts from the age of 2.5 years. However, it is never too late for adults and retirees. It all began a long time ago (4,000 years ago), and here we look at martial arts history.

Ancient peoples begin to create combat skills thousands of years ago. Each country produces its own style of combat, often for defense, war, and revolutions. Aside from battle, martial arts help ancient people improve their health, exercise, and attain mental and spiritual enlightenment.

Many people credit East Asia for creating the first martial arts. In particular, these countries include Japan, Okinawa, and China. These are the birthplaces of karate, judo, kung fu, and kendo.

Emporer Huang Di, in 2600BC, dictates that all army personnel must learn martial arts. During 600-500BC, China and India develop trade routes along the Silk Road. So, this spurs on the sharing of martial art skills and techniques. Notably, Bodhidharma, an Indian Monk, passes over philosophies and teachings of restraint and humanity.

Today there are weaponless martial arts that focus on striking, grappling, and meditation. Also, there are martial arts that focus on weapons, including everyday items like knives, staffs, sickles. Weaponry and weaponless martial arts include Aikido, sumo, taekwondo, and Tai Chi, as well as Hapkido.

In modern times, Judo, taekwondo, and karate have become part of the Olympic Games.

Important figures in martial arts

Itosu Anko (1831-1915) is the grandfather of karate. He develops simple kata for novices, leading to broader appeal and mass adoption.

Some see Bruce Lee (1940-1973) as the creator of MMA. He develops the martial art Jeet Kune Do. Jeet Kune Do holds the principals of removing techniques that are ineffective while taking techniques from many martial arts. Bruce popularizes martial arts through movies and TV shows, such as The Green Hornet.

Are you thinking of taking up a martial art? Karate has many lessons to teach, for self-defense and personal development. MMA Midtown East