Welcome to the History of Fighting
Welcome to the History of Fighting, an ongoing project that attempts to learn as much as possible about the history of martial arts, combat sports, the military and anything related to the art of fighting. Periodically, new articles will be added that discuss some of the most interesting styles, masters and cultural aspects of the subject matter that have been handed down to us through the annals of the history of fighting.
Talk the Talk
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term Martial Arts as a 'self-defence system that originated in East Asian countries.'
However, the History of Fighting acknowledges that most cultures have some form of civil fighting system that has been refined to the point of becoming an art form.
However, the History of Fighting acknowledges that most cultures have some form of civil fighting system that has been refined to the point of becoming an art form.
Walk the Walk
Most countries throughout the world have developed both civil and military systems of fighting that extend far beyond the concept of inflicting damage on an opponent.
The History of Fighting seeks to root out not only the techniques, weapons technology and training methods behind these systems but also the philosophical and theological principles that guide them.
The History of Fighting seeks to root out not only the techniques, weapons technology and training methods behind these systems but also the philosophical and theological principles that guide them.
Recent Articles
The Azuchi-Momoyama Period
The Azuchi-Momoyama Period was characterised by the unification of the samurai clans after years of unrest and civil war. First, Nobunaga Oda managed to wrest control of much of the archipelago, and his successes were then built upon by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The latter also brought social reforms to Japan, many of which would last nearly 300 years, though not all were for the better, especially for an ambitious peasant.
Women’s Suffrage Home
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, women all over the world campaigned to be able to vote on the same terms as men. The issue was a political storm in some countries, particularly in the United States and Great Britain, where demonstrations included mass protests, lobbying Parliament and Congress, and even vandalism and violence.
The Roman Republic
The Roman Republic era spanned nearly five hundred years from around 509 – 31 BCE and was a time of great expansion and innovation. The foundation of Roman law was laid, infrastructure was greatly improved, the Roman army went from being a local militia to one of the most formidable professional armies the world had ever seen and the territories of ancient Rome grew exponentially.
The Roman Republic era spanned nearly five hundred years from around 509 – 31 BCE and was a time of great expansion and innovation. The foundation of Roman law was laid, infrastructure was greatly improved, the Roman army went from being a local militia to one of the most formidable professional armies the world had ever seen and the territories of ancient Rome grew exponentially.
Joe Louis
Joe Louis (The Brown Bomber) was an American boxer and widely considered to be one of the greatest world heavyweight champions of all time. He became an American hero when he defeated the German Max Schmeling, then later through his work promoting the war effort. Despite his considerable success, later in his career he would face massive debts due to unfair treatment by the taxman.
The History of Archery in Korea
The history of archery in Korea stretches back to pre-history and has been used in warfare there since at least the fifth century BCE. Elite archery experts helped unify the country and later would be instrumental in helping the country gain independence from China and today, South Korea are leading the way in world archery.
The Five Main Styles of Aikido
Developed in the first half of the twentieth century by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido is a way of fighting designed to help build moral fibre in its participants. Today, there are five main stiles of the art practiced, all of which vary in training methods, techniques used and on how much emphasis is put on the ideologies taught within aikido.
The Period of Kings in Ancient Rome
A look at the early history of ancient Rome, commonly known as the Period of Kings. While much of this period in Rome’s history is steeped in myth and legend, it is clear that it began to expand soon after its conception. Its population and territories grew under a series of kings who worked in tandem with an elected senate.
Kenwa Mabuni – Founder of Shito-Ryu Karate
Kenwa Mabuni started life as a sickly child but transformed himself into a strong warrior through the practice and dedication to the martial arts. Through his studies with
great karate masters such as Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, along with the kung fu master Woo Yin Gue, he was able to combine what he had learned and develop one of the four
major styles of traditional karate, Shito-Ryu.
The History of Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi utilises internal energy, known as Chi, along with physical movements, breathing techniques and meditations. It can be practiced as a martial art or purely for the health benefits it promotes, which include strength, balance, agility, flexibility and stamina along with improved concentration, relaxation and lowered stress levels.
The Muromachi Period
The Muromachi Period was a time of turmoil in Japan that can be spilt into two separate eras. At the beginning of the period, the government was divided into two separate entities sparking the Northern and Southern Courts Era. Then, after a brief period of relative stability, the Warring States Era began.
The History of the Sword
A look at the long history of the sword and its usage across the world. First developed in the Bronze Age and then further developed in the Iron Age, the sword has held great significance in most societies as both a weapon of war, an aid to self-defence and even as a status symbol.
A look at the long history of the sword and its usage across the world. First developed in the Bronze Age and then further developed in the Iron Age, the sword has held great significance in most societies as both a weapon of war, an aid to self-defence and even as a status symbol.
The History of the Roman Army
A look at the weapons, tactics and organisation of the armies of ancient Rome and how they evolved from a small civil militia in the seventh century BCE in to the most formidable fighting force in the known world by the first century BCE and eventually saw the fall of the Roman Empire by the fifth century CE.
A look at the weapons, tactics and organisation of the armies of ancient Rome and how they evolved from a small civil militia in the seventh century BCE in to the most formidable fighting force in the known world by the first century BCE and eventually saw the fall of the Roman Empire by the fifth century CE.
The History of Medieval Knights
A brief look at the life and culture of the medieval knight. Taught to be brave, courteous and gallant, knights were also bloodthirsty warring men who were sworn to fight for their lord and king and even to be ready to die for them when necessary.
A brief look at the life and culture of the medieval knight. Taught to be brave, courteous and gallant, knights were also bloodthirsty warring men who were sworn to fight for their lord and king and even to be ready to die for them when necessary.
Kendo History Home
The history of kendo has its roots in samurai sword fighting that was collectively known as kenjutsu. The Edo Period (1603 – 1868) saw a rise of martial arts schools dedicated to teaching sword fighting though these saw sharp decline after the Meiji Restoration (1868), before seeing a revival in the twentieth century with the development of the art of kendo.
The history of kendo has its roots in samurai sword fighting that was collectively known as kenjutsu. The Edo Period (1603 – 1868) saw a rise of martial arts schools dedicated to teaching sword fighting though these saw sharp decline after the Meiji Restoration (1868), before seeing a revival in the twentieth century with the development of the art of kendo.
The History of Judo
A look at how and why Jigoro Kano developed the Japanese combat sport, judo. In the late nineteenth century, martial arts were in decline in the country so in a bid to save the knowledge that had been passed down for over a thousand years, Kano developed judo from jiu-jitsu as a sport while preserving the deadlier moves within judo kata.
A look at how and why Jigoro Kano developed the Japanese combat sport, judo. In the late nineteenth century, martial arts were in decline in the country so in a bid to save the knowledge that had been passed down for over a thousand years, Kano developed judo from jiu-jitsu as a sport while preserving the deadlier moves within judo kata.
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