Yin and Yang symbol.
What beliefs and traditions where tied in with Martial arts?
There are different beliefs tied in with martial arts. Some practice it for self defence, some might do it to learn self-discovery and self-confrontation, people might do it it for a healthy mind and body, some do it to create a balance of Yin and Yang in the body and mind and finding balance, strength and harmony and sychronize it with the supreme spirit, the spirit which moves all things. Others even practice it as a form of confrontation with death, as death is a constant presence in martial arts as attack, defence and counter-attack moves are performed as if a life-or-death situation was involved. Kung-Fu masters learn to use the ch'i, described as the energy source of the universe and karate students also follow the Tao, meaning 'The Way'. In fact, the word karate means 'The way of the empty hand'. Some people just do it as a morning routine to stay fit and healthy.
Who taught and practiced martial arts?
Chinese soldiers and military personal, Monks and Sensai's all taught different styles of martial arts. Any person could practice martial arts.
Where was Martial arts practiced?
Martial arts was practised really anywhere, but mostly temples. The main temple was the Shaolin.
what are the styles of martial arts are there?
Styles of martial arts have developed a lot over history. Different styles and techniques of martial arts are placed in different groups. Some styles are in more than 1 group.
Grappling/Throwing- Aikido, Glima, Hapkido, Judo, Sambo.
Joint lock/chokes/submission holds- Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, Submission wrestling.
Pinning techniques- Judo, Wrestling, Sambo.
Strikes- Boxing, Wing Chun Kung-Fu.
Kicking- Capoeria, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Sarate.
Others- Karate, Muay Thai, Sanshou, Vale Tudo, Wushu.
Grappling/Throwing- Aikido, Glima, Hapkido, Judo, Sambo.
Joint lock/chokes/submission holds- Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, Submission wrestling.
Pinning techniques- Judo, Wrestling, Sambo.
Strikes- Boxing, Wing Chun Kung-Fu.
Kicking- Capoeria, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Sarate.
Others- Karate, Muay Thai, Sanshou, Vale Tudo, Wushu.