Martial arts have captivated the human imagination for centuries. From the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters, the quest for physical and mental mastery has been a constant thread throughout human history.
In this timeline and history of martial arts, we will trace its evolution, explore its cultural and historical influences, and highlight some key individuals who have shaped these diverse disciplines.
Editor’s Note [2nd May 2024]: Our original martial arts history and timeline was created in March 2023. While the main content hasn’t changed, the guide has been given a refresh to help present the information more effectively and provide links to additional reading and resources for readers.
The Roots and Origins of Martial Arts
The origins of martial arts can be traced back thousands of years to the cradle of civilisation.
Tahtib and Kalaripayattu
In 2500 BCE, the Egyptians practised Tahtib, a traditional stick-fighting martial art that emphasised speed and technique. Meanwhile, in India, the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu was taking shape around the 3rd century BCE. Known as one of the oldest martial arts, Kalaripayattu combined strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry in its arsenal.
Pankration
In ancient Greece, the martial art of Pankration emerged around 648 BCE. This discipline combined wrestling and boxing and placed great importance on submissions and striking techniques.
Kung Fu
China’s Shaolin Kung Fu, developed in the 5th century, introduced various striking and grappling techniques that would later influence many other martial arts styles.
Martial Arts History: A Timeline From 2879 BCE
-
Various
Drawings and sketches describe combat using sword in Vietnam.
-
Fist Fighting
Pictorial representations of fist fighting in Minoan Civilization.
-
Various
Yellow Emperor wrote treatises on medicine in China.
-
Tahtib
Traditional stick-fighting martial art involving the use of a long wooden staff, emphasizing speed and technique in Egypt.
-
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age combat with spear in Greece and India.
-
Pankration
Ancient Greek martial art combining wrestling and boxing, with an emphasis on submissions and striking techniques.
-
Shuai Jiao
One of the oldest forms of Chinese wrestling, focusing on throws and grappling techniques.
-
Shaolin Kung Fu
Traditional Chinese martial art developed in the Shaolin Temple, involving various striking and grappling techniques.
-
Kalaripayattu
One of the oldest martial arts, originating in Kerala, India, involving strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry.
-
Wrestling
Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian documented wrestling techniques in China.
-
Five Animals
Hua Tuo developed the Five Animals martial art in China.
-
Sumo
Traditional Japanese wrestling sport with the objective of forcing the opponent out of the ring or making them touch the ground.
-
Shaolin Fighting System
Monks practiced martial arts in the Shaolin Temple in China.
-
Dambe
Traditional Hausa boxing style involving striking with one hand and grappling with the other, often using a wrapped, hardened fist.
-
Kalaripayattu
Originated in Kerala, India, and involved weapons training.
-
HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts)
A collective term for various European martial arts, including longsword, rapier, and dagger fighting, based on historical manuals and treatises.
-
Capoeira
Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, and striking, emphasizing fluid movements and evasive techniques.
-
Eskrima
Filipino martial art focused on weapon-based fighting, primarily using sticks, knives, and improvised weapons.
-
Istunka
Ritualistic martial art performed during annual festivals, with mock battles symbolizing historical conflicts.
-
Muay Thai
National sport of Thailand, known as the “art of eight limbs” for its combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
-
Silat
A diverse range of martial arts native to Southeast Asia, focusing on strikes, joint manipulation, and the use of traditional weapons.
-
Tai Chi
Internal Chinese martial art emphasizing slow, flowing movements, often practiced for health benefits and meditation.
-
Karate
Striking martial art originating in Okinawa, involving punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-handed techniques.
-
Hapkido
A Korean martial art that combines elements of taekwondo, judo, and jujutsu, focusing on joint locks, throws, and dynamic kicking techniques. Founded by Choi Yong-sool in Korea.
-
Wing Chun
Southern Chinese martial art emphasizing close-range combat, using quick arm movements and strong low kicks. Founded by Ng Mui in China.
-
Boxing
Striking martial art and sport involving punches, footwork, and defensive techniques, popularized in England. Originating from Ancient Greece, but modern rules were developed in England.
-
Kendo
Modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting, based on traditional samurai swordsmanship, emphasizing discipline and mental focus. Originating in Japan.
-
Savate
French kickboxing style combining elements of western boxing and graceful footwork, emphasizing high, precise kicks. Founded by Charles Lecour in France.
-
Canne de Combat
A French martial art that focuses on the use of a walking stick or cane for self-defense, involving strikes, thrusts, and parries. Originating in France.
-
Judo
Grappling martial art developed by Jigoro Kano, emphasizing throws, ground control, and submission techniques. Originating in Japan.
-
Bartitsu
Martial art founded by Edward William Barton-Wright, combining elements of boxing, jujutsu, cane fighting, and savate. Originating in England.
-
Aikido
Defensive martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, focusing on joint locks, throws, and redirecting the opponent’s energy. Originating in Japan.
-
Sambo
Soviet martial art and combat sport combining elements of judo and wrestling, focusing on throws, ground control, and submissions. Founded by Vasili Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov in Russia.
-
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Ground-fighting martial art focusing on submissions and positional control, developed from Kodokan Judo. Founded by Carlos and Hélio Gracie in Brazil.
-
Vovinam
Vietnamese martial art founded by Nguyen Loc, focusing on a balance of hard and soft techniques, including strikes, kicks, and throws. Originating in Vietnam.
-
Krav Maga
Hybrid martial art developed for the Israeli military, focusing on practical self-defense and hand-to-hand combat techniques. Founded by Imi Lichtenfeld in Israel.
-
Taekwondo
High-intensity martial art known for its high, fast kicks, jumping and spinning techniques, and emphasis on agility. Founded by Choi Hong Hi in Korea.
-
Kajukenbo
Hybrid martial art combining elements of karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and boxing, founded in Hawaii. Founded by Adriano D. Emperado in Hawaii, USA.
-
Shotokan Karate
Martial art founded by Gichin Funakoshi, emphasizing linear movements, deep stances, and powerful strikes. Originating in Japan.
-
American Kenpo
Martial art founded by Ed Parker, emphasizing practical self-defense techniques and fluid movement. Originating in the USA.
-
Jeet Kune Do
Martial art and philosophy founded by Bruce Lee, focusing on practical, efficient techniques and personal expression. Originating in the USA.
-
Luta Livre
Brazilian grappling martial art similar to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but without the use of a traditional gi uniform. Founded by Euclydes Hatem in Brazil.
-
Kickboxing
Hybrid martial art combining elements of boxing and karate, emphasizing punches, kicks, and footwork. Originating from Japan and the USA, inspired by various martial arts.
-
Kyokushin Karate
Full-contact karate style founded by Masutatsu Oyama, emphasizing power, speed, and rigorous physical training. Originating in Japan.
-
Tae Bo
Aerobic exercise program developed by Billy Blanks, combining elements of taekwondo, boxing, and dance. Originating in the USA.
-
Sanda
Chinese kickboxing martial art and combat sport, combining elements of traditional kung fu, kickboxing, and grappling techniques. Originating in China.
-
Systema
Russian martial art focusing on fluid, natural movements, relaxation, and breathing techniques for self-defense and combat. Originating in Russia.
-
Collegiate wrestling
An amateur wrestling style practiced at the college level in the United States, focusing on takedowns, pins, and control. Inspired by various wrestling styles.
-
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Full-contact combat sport combining striking, grappling, and submissions from various martial arts disciplines. Inspired by various martial arts from different countries.
-
Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW)
Hybrid martial art developed by Erik Paulson, combining elements of wrestling, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense and sport.
-
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)
Military martial arts system developed for the United States Marine Corps, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, and mental discipline.
-
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu system developed by Eddie Bravo, emphasizing unorthodox positions and techniques. Inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The Evolution and Globalisation of Martial Arts
As martial arts spread across the globe, they evolved and adapted to the unique cultures and needs of their practitioners.
Sumo and Dambe
In Japan, the 8th-century martial art of Sumo emerged as a traditional wrestling sport with the objective of forcing an opponent out of the ring or making them touch the ground. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Dambe, developed in the 10th century, combined striking with one hand and grappling with the other, using a wrapped, hardened fist.
Capoeira, Eskrima, and Istunka
The 16th century saw the birth of several influential martial arts, such as Brazil’s Capoeira, which combined dance, acrobatics, and striking in a unique and fluid way. The Philippines developed Eskrima, a weapons-based martial art focusing on sticks, knives, and improvised weapons. Somalia’s Istunka, also from the 16th century, was a ritualistic martial art performed during annual festivals, symbolizing historical conflicts through mock battles.
Muay Thai, Karate, and Tai Chi
As martial arts continued to spread and evolve, they gave rise to new disciplines such as Thailand’s Muay Thai, Japan’s Karate, and China’s Tai Chi, each with its unique techniques and philosophies.
Martial Arts in the Modern Age – 20th Century Disciplines and Innovations
There’s no denying how rich and fascinating martial arts history is but the 20th century witnessed something new – a boom in martial arts development, with new disciplines and innovations emerging at an unprecedented rate.
Thanks to commercial flights, cheaper travel, and later the Internet, it became simpler than ever for cultures to learn from one another to create new and innovative styles of martial arts.
Judo, Aikido, Sambo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu
In the 1920s, Japan introduced Judo and Aikido to the world, emphasising throws, ground control, and submission techniques. Russia developed the martial art of Sambo, combining elements of Judo and wrestling, while Brazil gave birth to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a ground-fighting martial art focusing on submissions and positional control.
Early Mixed Martial Arts (Kajukenbo and Jeet Kune Do)
In the United States, the hybrid martial art of Kajukenbo was founded in the 1940s, combining elements of karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and boxing. The 1960s saw the rise of Jeet Kune Do, a mixed martial art and philosophy founded by the legendary Bruce Lee, focusing on practical, efficient techniques and personal expression.
Sport Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
The late 20th century also saw the emergence of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a full-contact combat sport, combining striking, grappling, and submissions from various martial arts disciplines.
Key Figures in Martial Arts History
Throughout the history of martial arts, certain individuals have left an indelible mark on the development and promotion of these disciplines. Some of the most notable figures include:
- Bodhidharma: The Indian monk who is credited with introducing martial arts to the Shaolin Temple in China.
- Gichin Funakoshi: The founder of Shotokan Karate, who is often referred to as the “Father of Modern Karate.”
- Kanō Jigorō: The founder of Judo, who modernized traditional Japanese jujutsu and emphasized its educational and moral aspects.
- Bruce Lee: A martial arts icon who founded Jeet Kune Do and popularised martial arts in the West through his films and teachings.
- Royce Gracie: A Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who helped promote the discipline worldwide by winning the first UFC tournament in 1993.
Conclusion
Looking back across the full history and timeline of martial arts, we have come a long way since its ancient origins, and its influence can be felt across the globe. With each new discipline and innovation, martial arts continues to evolve and merge, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of its practitioners.
In the sporting world, it seems the Ultimate Fighting Competiton (UFC) has found the ultimate combination of martial arts with MMA fighters often combining grappling, striking, and clinch fighting techniques from disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing. However, sports is just one side of martial arts, another is self defence for the average person, policing or even combat/war, all of which require a different set of techniques and considerations.
As we reflect on the impact martial arts has had across time and culture, it becomes clear that it’s not just about physical prowess and fighting techniques, but also about the pursuit of self-improvement, discipline, and personal expression.
What will the future hold for martial arts? We’ll need to wait and see…
Appendix
| Period |
Martial Art |
Country of Origin |
Origination |
Description |
|
Ancient Times |
Angampora |
Sri Lanka |
Not known (Sri Lanka) |
Combines combat techniques, strikes, locks, and grappling, with a focus on pressure points and the use of traditional weapons. |
|
2879 BCE |
Various |
Vietnam |
Not known |
Drawings and sketches describe combat using sword |
|
2000 BCE |
Wrestling |
Egypt |
Not known (Ancient civilizations) |
Depiction of wrestling techniques in a tomb of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt at Beni Hasan. |
|
2000 BCE |
Fist Fighting |
Minoan Civilization |
Not known (Ancient civilizations) |
Pictorial representations of fist fighting. |
|
2698 BCE |
Various |
China |
Not known |
Yellow Emperor wrote treatises on medicine |
|
2500 BCE |
Tahtib |
Egypt |
Not known (Ancient Egypt) |
Traditional stick-fighting martial art involving the use of a long wooden staff, emphasizing speed and technique. |
|
800 BCE |
Hand-to-Hand Combat |
Greece/India |
Not known (Ancient civilizations) |
Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age combat with spear |
|
648 BCE |
Pankration |
Greece |
Not known (Ancient Greece) |
Ancient Greek martial art combining wrestling and boxing, with an emphasis on submissions and striking techniques. |
|
600 BCE |
Shuai Jiao |
China |
Not known (China) |
One of the oldest forms of Chinese wrestling, focusing on throws and grappling techniques. |
|
500 BCE |
Shaolin Kung Fu |
China |
Bodhidharma (India, but developed in China) |
Traditional Chinese martial art developed in the Shaolin Temple, involving various striking and grappling techniques. |
|
300 BCE |
Kalaripayattu |
India |
Not known (Kerala, India) |
One of the oldest martial arts, originating in Kerala, India, involving strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry. |
|
100 CE |
Wrestling |
China |
Not known (Ancient civilizations) |
Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian documented wrestling techniques. |
|
300 CE |
Five Animals |
China |
Not known (China) |
Hua Tuo |
|
800 CE |
Sumo |
Japan |
Not known (Japan) |
Traditional Japanese wrestling sport with the objective of forcing the opponent out of the ring or making them touch the ground. |
|
800-1500 CE |
Shaolin Fighting System |
China |
Not known (China) |
Monks practiced martial arts |
|
1000 CE |
Dambe |
Nigeria |
Not known (Nigeria) |
Traditional Hausa boxing style involving striking with one hand and grappling with the other, often using a wrapped, hardened fist. |
|
1200 CE |
Kalaripayattu |
India |
Not known (Kerala, India) |
Originated in Kerala and weapons training. |
|
1400 CE |
HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) |
Europe |
Not known (Europe) |
A collective term for various European martial arts, including longsword, rapier, and dagger fighting, based on historical manuals and treatises. |
|
1500s CE |
Capoeira |
Brazil |
Not known (Brazil, inspired by African martial arts) |
Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, and striking, emphasizing fluid movements and evasive techniques. |
|
1500s CE |
Eskrima |
Philippines |
Not known (Philippines) |
Filipino martial art focused on weapon-based fighting, primarily using sticks, knives, and improvised weapons. |
|
1500s CE |
Istunka |
Somalia |
Not known (Somalia) |
Ritualistic martial art performed during annual festivals, with mock battles symbolizing historical conflicts. |
|
1500s CE |
Muay Thai |
Thailand |
Not known (Thailand) |
National sport of Thailand, known as the “art of eight limbs” for its combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. |
|
1500 CE |
Silat |
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines) |
Not known (Southeast Asia) |
A diverse range of martial arts native to Southeast Asia, focusing on strikes, joint manipulation, and the use of traditional weapons. |
|
1600s CE |
Tai Chi |
China |
Zhang Sanfeng (China) |
Internal Chinese martial art emphasizing slow, flowing movements, often practiced for health benefits and meditation. |
|
1600s CE |
Karate |
Japan |
Not known (Okinawa, Japan) |
Striking martial art originating in Okinawa, involving punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-handed techniques. |
|
1600s CE |
Hapkido |
Korea |
Choi Yong-sool (Korea) |
A Korean martial art that combines elements of taekwondo, judo, and jujutsu, focusing on joint locks, throws, and dynamic kicking techniques. |
|
Late 1600s to early 1700s CE |
Wing Chun |
China |
Ng Mui (China) |
Southern Chinese martial art emphasizing close-range combat, using quick arm movements and strong low kicks. |
|
1700s CE |
Boxing |
United Kingdom |
Not known (Ancient Greece, modern rules from England) |
Striking martial art and sport involving punches, footwork, and defensive techniques, popularized in England. |
|
1700s CE |
Kendo |
Japan |
Not known (Japan) |
Modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting, based on traditional samurai swordsmanship, emphasizing discipline and mental focus. |
|
1800s CE |
Savate |
France |
Charles Lecour (France) |
French kickboxing style combining elements of western boxing and graceful footwork, emphasizing high, precise kicks. |
|
1800s CE |
Canne de Combat |
France |
Not known (France) |
A French martial art that focuses on the use of a walking stick or cane for self-defense, involving strikes, thrusts, and parries. |
|
1882 CE |
Judo |
Japan |
Jigoro Kano (Japan) |
Grappling martial art developed by Jigoro Kano, emphasizing throws, ground control, and submission techniques. |
|
1899 CE |
Bartitsu |
United Kingdom |
Edward William Barton-Wright (England) |
Martial art founded by Edward William Barton-Wright, combining elements of boxing, jujutsu, cane fighting, and savate. |
|
1920s CE |
Aikido |
Japan |
Morihei Ueshiba (Japan) |
Defensive martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, focusing on joint locks, throws, and redirecting the opponent’s energy. |
|
1920s CE |
Sambo |
Russia |
Vasili Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov (Russia) |
Soviet martial art and combat sport combining elements of judo and wrestling, focusing on throws, ground control, and submissions. |
|
Early 1900s CE |
Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
Brazil |
Carlos and Hélio Gracie (Brazil, inspired by Judo) |
Ground-fighting martial art focusing on submissions and positional control, developed from Kodokan Judo. |
|
1938 CE |
Vovinam |
Vietnam |
Nguyễn Lộc (Vietnam) |
Vietnamese martial art founded by Nguyen Loc, focusing on a balance of hard and soft techniques, including strikes, kicks, and throws. |
|
1940s CE |
Krav Maga |
Israel |
Imi Lichtenfeld (Israel) |
Hybrid martial art developed for the Israeli military, focusing on practical self-defense and hand-to-hand combat techniques. |
|
1940s CE |
Taekwondo |
Korea |
Choi Hong Hi (Korea) |
High-intensity martial art known for its high, fast kicks, jumping and spinning techniques, and emphasis on agility. |
|
1947 CE |
Kajukenbo |
United States |
Adriano D. Emperado (Hawaii, USA) |
Hybrid martial art combining elements of karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and boxing, founded in Hawaii. |
|
1950s CE |
Shotokan Karate |
Japan |
Gichin Funakoshi (Japan) |
Martial art founded by Gichin Funakoshi, emphasizing linear movements, deep stances, and powerful strikes. |
|
1950s CE |
American Kenpo |
United States |
Ed Parker (USA) |
Martial art founded by Ed Parker, emphasizing practical self-defense techniques and fluid movement. |
|
1960s CE |
Jeet Kune Do |
United States |
Bruce Lee (USA) |
Martial art and philosophy founded by Bruce Lee, focusing on practical, efficient techniques and personal expression. |
|
1960s CE |
Luta Livre |
Brazil |
Euclydes Hatem (Brazil) |
Brazilian grappling martial art similar to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but without the use of a traditional gi uniform. |
|
1960s CE |
Kickboxing |
United States |
Not known (Japan and USA, inspired by various martial arts) |
Hybrid martial art combining elements of boxing and karate, emphasizing punches, kicks, and footwork. |
|
1964 CE |
Kyokushin Karate |
Japan |
Masutatsu Oyama (Japan) |
Full-contact karate style founded by Masutatsu Oyama, emphasizing power, speed, and rigorous physical training. |
|
1970s CE |
Tae Bo |
United States |
Billy Blanks (USA) |
Aerobic exercise program developed by Billy Blanks, combining elements of taekwondo, boxing, and dance. |
|
1979 CE |
Sanda |
China |
Not known (China) |
Chinese kickboxing martial art and combat sport, combining elements of traditional kung fu, kickboxing, and grappling techniques. |
|
1980s CE |
Systema |
Russia |
Not known (Russia) |
Russian martial art focusing on fluid, natural movements, relaxation, and breathing techniques for self-defense and combat. |
|
Early 1900s CE |
Collegiate wrestling |
United States |
Not known (USA, inspired by various wrestling styles) |
Amateur wrestling style practiced at the college level in the United States, focusing on takedowns, pins, and control. |
|
1990s CE |
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) |
United States |
Not known (Various countries, inspired by various martial arts) |
Full-contact combat sport combining striking, grappling, and submissions from various martial arts disciplines. |
|
1990s CE |
Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) |
United States |
Erik Paulson (USA) |
Hybrid martial art developed by Erik Paulson, combining elements of wrestling, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense and sport. |
|
2001 CE |
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) |
United States |
United States Marine Corps (USA) |
Military martial arts system developed for the United States Marine Corps, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, and mental discipline. |
|
2003 CE |
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu |
United States |
Eddie Bravo (USA, inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu) |
No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu system developed by Eddie Bravo, emphasizing unorthodox positions and techniques. |