The oldest martial arts

Why is it hard to pinpoint the oldest martial arts? 

Pinpointing the oldest martial art is a complex task due to several intertwined factors. Historically, many martial arts developed during times when record-keeping was either sparse or non-existent. Traditions and techniques were often passed down orally or through physical demonstration, leading to a scarcity of concrete, documented evidence. Furthermore, martial arts have significantly evolved over centuries. The form and techniques of a martial art practiced in ancient times might be vastly different from its modern variant, making it challenging to trace its precise origins and developmental path.

Another complicating factor is the cultural exchanges that have historically occurred. As cultures interacted, they exchanged knowledge, including martial techniques, leading to a blending of styles and methods. This fusion makes it hard to determine whether a martial art developed independently in one region or was influenced by others. Similarly, similar martial arts techniques could have developed independently in different cultures around the same time, further complicating the identification of a single, oldest martial art.

The very definition of what constitutes a martial art has also evolved over time. Practices we now recognize as martial arts might not have been categorized as such in the past. Additionally, different regions may claim the origin of certain martial arts based on local history and legends, but these claims are often difficult to verify conclusively.

Compounding these challenges is the role of mythology and legend, which are often deeply intertwined with the origins of many martial arts. These elements, while culturally significant, can blur the lines between historical fact and myth, making it challenging to separate the two. As a result, the history of martial arts is often a rich, complex tapestry that resists simple categorization or chronological ordering, reflecting a blend of historical fact, folklore, and cultural evolution.

What is the definition of martial art?

Martial arts are broadly defined as codified systems and traditions of combat practices, which are practiced for a variety of reasons: self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, entertainment, as well as mental, physical, and spiritual development.

The term "martial art" itself comes from Latin, with "martial" meaning "of Mars," the Roman god of war. This reflects the origin of martial arts in the training of warriors and soldiers in ancient times. However, over centuries, martial arts have evolved and expanded beyond their military origins to become methods for personal growth, discipline, and sport.

The concept of martial arts, as a term to describe organized methods of combat and self-defense, gained prominence in the West during the 16th century, particularly in the context of European martial traditions. The term was initially used more in reference to the skills of warfare and combat practiced in Europe, and only later did it broaden to include the fighting systems of Eastern cultures.

The adoption of "martial arts" as a term to collectively describe both Eastern and Western combat systems likely occurred during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. This was a period marked by increased global interaction and cultural exchange, where Eastern martial arts like Judo, Karate, and later Kung Fu became known in the Western world.

Thus, while the exact first use of "martial arts" in its current context is not clearly documented, its usage evolved over time as global cultural exchanges brought different combat systems into broader awareness.

What martial arts are considered the oldest? 

The oldest martial arts are difficult to pinpoint with certainty due to the ancient and often undocumented origins of many combat systems. However, several ancient martial arts are often recognized as among the oldest:

Kalaripayattu

Originating in Kerala, India, Kalaripayattu is often cited as one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. It dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE and possibly earlier. This martial art combines strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry, and healing methods.

Influence on Other Indian Martial Arts: Kalaripayattu, with its rich set of techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry, likely influenced other regional martial arts in India. There are similarities in movements and philosophies between Kalaripayattu and other Indian martial arts such as Silambam (a weapon-based art from Tamil Nadu) and Thang-Ta (a martial art from Manipur).

Spread to Southeast Asia: It is widely believed that Indian martial arts, including Kalaripayattu, influenced the development of martial arts in Southeast Asia. Historically, there was significant trade and cultural exchange between Southern India and Southeast Asian regions. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have martial arts that display elements similar to those found in Kalaripayattu. For example, the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat shows some stylistic similarities.

Influence on Chinese Martial Arts: One popular but debated theory suggests that Indian martial arts, potentially including Kalaripayattu, influenced the development of Chinese martial arts. According to legend, the Indian monk Bodhidharma traveled to the Shaolin temple in China, where he taught exercises that became the basis for Shaolin Kung Fu. However, this connection is more legendary than historically verified.

Modern Dissemination and Global Influence: In more recent times, Kalaripayattu has gained international attention and is practiced in various parts of the world. As it becomes more popular globally, its techniques, philosophy, and training methods might inspire or be integrated into other martial arts practices.

Influence on Dance and Performing Arts: Beyond martial arts, Kalaripayattu has significantly influenced traditional Indian dance forms, such as Kathakali and Theyyam, due to its fluid movements and strong emphasis on physical discipline. This cultural influence demonstrates the art's versatility and cultural significance.

Pankration

An ancient Greek martial art combining wrestling and boxing, Pankration was introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 BCE. It was a brutal combat sport with few rules and is considered a forerunner to modern mixed martial arts (MMA).

Original Rules of Pankration

1. No Biting or Eye Gouging: These were among the few prohibitions. The Greeks considered these actions dishonorable in a contest of strength and skill.
2. No Weapons: Pankration was purely a contest of unarmed combat.
3. Victory Conditions: A match ended when one competitor admitted defeat, which they typically signaled by raising their index finger. In some cases, matches continued until one competitor was incapacitated or killed, although fatalities were not the norm.

Pankration, as practiced in ancient Greece, had minimal rules beyond these, allowing for a wide range of techniques including kicks, punches, joint locks, and chokes. Strikes with any part of the body were permitted, and grappling was a significant aspect of the sport.

Evolution of Pankration

1. Roman Era: When the Romans adopted Greek sports, they incorporated pankration into their games. However, the Romans, known for their gladiatorial contests, may have emphasized the more brutal aspects of the sport.
2. Decline and Modern Revival: Pankration declined with the fall of the Greek and Roman empires and the rise of Christianity, which disapproved of its violent nature. The modern revival of pankration has sought to reconstruct the ancient sport, but with significant modifications to ensure safety and sportsmanship.
3. Modern Pankration: In its modern form, pankration has been adapted to fit into contemporary martial arts sports. Modern pankration, sometimes referred to as "Pankration Athlima," includes a variety of rules and safety measures, such as weight classes, time limits, protective gear, and a more extensive list of prohibited actions (like certain strikes and holds). These changes reflect a shift from the ancient focus on survival and combat effectiveness to modern concerns about safety, fairness, and sportsmanship. Modern sport reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards violence, sportsmanship, and the purpose of martial arts. Modern pankration, while inspired by the ancient sport, is structured to be safer and more accessible for sports practitioners.

Interested in the evolution of martial arts rules? Delve into this article to discover how UFC rules have evolved over time.

Shuai Jiao

This Chinese martial art is believed to be the oldest of the Chinese fighting arts, with a history dating back thousands of years. It primarily focuses on throwing and grappling techniques.

Shuai Jiao's origins can be traced back several thousand years in China, with some references dating as far back as the Xia and Shang dynasties (circa 21st to 11th centuries BCE). The term "Shuai Jiao" roughly translates to "throwing and tripping" in Chinese. Historically, it was known by various names, including "Jiao Di," where horned helmets were used to butt opponents, and "Jiao Li," a term used during the Zhou Dynasty that included wrestling techniques.

Shuai Jiao has influenced many other Chinese martial arts, especially those that include grappling and throwing techniques. Its principles and techniques can be seen in the grappling aspects of various Chinese martial systems, including some styles of Kung Fu.

Beyond being a combat system, Shuai Jiao is an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage. It has been practiced not only by soldiers and martial artists but also in festivals and celebrations as a form of entertainment and competition.

Today, Shuai Jiao continues to be practiced and taught, both in China and internationally. It has evolved into a modern sport with organized rules and competitions, yet it still retains the essence of its ancient traditions.

Jujutsu

While not as old as the others mentioned, Jujutsu has ancient roots in Japan, dating back to the samurai era. It's a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon or only a short weapon.

Here's an overview of its development:

1. Early Origins: Jujutsu's origins are linked to the samurai class in feudal Japan. Initially developed for close combat against armed and armored opponents when weapons were ineffective or unavailable, the early forms of jujutsu developed simultaneously and independently across various regions of Japan.
2. Sengoku Period (1467–1603): During this era of continuous military conflict in Japan, jujutsu evolved into a practical martial art for battlefield use. It encompassed techniques like throws, joint locks, and strikes, emphasizing using an opponent's energy against them, particularly effective in close-quarters combat.
3. Edo Period (1603–1868): The unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate shifted the samurai's role from warriors to administrators. In this relatively peaceful period, jujutsu transitioned from combat art to a form of physical, mental, and moral education. Numerous jujutsu schools (ryu) emerged, each with unique techniques and philosophies.
4. Late 19th Century - Decline and Transformation: The 1868 Meiji Restoration led to the decline of the samurai class and traditional martial arts, including jujutsu. However, this period also marked the transformation of jujutsu into modern martial arts. Jigoro Kano, a jujutsu practitioner, founded Judo in 1882, refining jujutsu with a focus on throws and groundwork, emphasizing safety and sport.
5. 20th Century – Global Spread: Judo's popularity facilitated the introduction of jujutsu techniques globally. In the early 20th century, Mitsuyo Maeda, a judo expert, traveled to Brazil, teaching jujutsu and judo techniques to the Gracie family, leading to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) development. BJJ focuses more on ground fighting and submission grappling.
6. Contemporary Times: Today, jujutsu is practiced worldwide in various forms. Traditional Japanese jujutsu is still taught, focusing on self-defense techniques, while BJJ has gained global popularity, especially in mixed martial arts (MMA). The term "jujutsu" can refer to traditional Japanese jujutsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, depending on the context.
7. Influence on Other Martial Arts: Jujutsu's techniques and principles have significantly influenced many other martial arts and combat sports, including MMA, Sambo, and various self-defense systems.

Wrestling

Wrestling, in various forms, has been practiced since ancient times across different cultures. Cave drawings in Mongolia dating back to 7000 BCE show scenes of wrestling matches.

1. Ancient Beginnings: Wrestling's roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations across the world. Cave paintings in France, dating back 15,000 years, depict what appears to be wrestlers. Similarly, ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian artworks and writings depict wrestling techniques and matches, indicating its importance in these cultures.
2. Greek and Roman Eras: Wrestling was a highly esteemed sport in ancient Greece, forming a significant part of the ancient Olympic Games, first recorded in 776 BCE. Greek wrestling (pale) emphasized strength and technique, with rules that included prohibitions against breaking fingers and rules to define a fair fall. The sport was not only a physical contest but also a part of military training and a way to celebrate the human body and spirit.
3. In ancient Rome, wrestling evolved to be more brutal and less technical. The Romans adopted Greek wrestling but altered it, possibly to appeal more to their tastes for spectacle and gladiatorial combat. Roman wrestling included more groundwork and submission techniques.
4. Middle Ages: With the fall of the Roman Empire, wrestling survived and evolved in various forms throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, it was practiced by all social classes, often featured at tournaments and fairs. Each region developed its own style and rules. For example, Cornwall and Devon in England had their own style of jacket wrestling, and Iceland had Glima, a style that is still practiced today.
5. 16th to 18th Century: During the Renaissance, wrestling continued to be popular, with many European courts, including those of France and England, promoting the sport. In France, King Francis I was a noted patron of wrestling, which led to its development as a sport with more refined techniques.
6. Influence on Other Cultures: As European settlers traveled and colonized other parts of the world, they brought wrestling with them. This led to the development of new styles, such as catch-as-catch-can in England, which later evolved into modern freestyle wrestling. In North America, settlers' wrestling styles mixed with those of Native Americans.
7. Early Modern Period: By the 19th century, wrestling was becoming more organized, with standard rules and weight classes beginning to form. This period saw the rise of professional wrestling matches, which, while often legitimate contests, also began to include elements of performance.

These martial arts have evolved over centuries and have influenced many modern combat systems. Each has a rich history intertwined with the cultural and historical contexts of their regions of origin.