The History of Fighting

Original Image

Hirokazu Kanazawa performing Jion

The origins of the kata Jion (Mercy) is highly debated by scholars of world martial arts. It starts with the left hand covering the right fist, kamae that probably has its roots in Chinese boxing. It is thought to have come through the Tomari-te style of Okinawan karate, however according to the legendary Hirokazu Kanazawa (above), the kata originated in the Chinese Buddhist Jion Temple (where the monks were accomplished martial artists) and then spread to the Tomari region at a later date. Others believe this is not the case and it was simply developed by someone with a connection to the temple however with the name evidence and the kamae, it seems likely that Kanazawa was correct.

More Kata History

An old illustration of two samurai warriors engaged in hand to hand combat on the battle field. The grappling
moves being displayed are an example of fighting techniques that come from an early form of jujitsu.

Title:  The Alexander Mosaic

Date:  c. 100 BCE

Artist:  Unknown

This mosaic was found in the House of the Faun in Pompeii and depicts a battle between the armies of Alexander the Great (left) and Darius III of Persia (in the chariot to the right). Alexander’s, upper body and head are still visible and on his breast plate is a picture of Medusa. Darius is believed to be desperately trying to flee the battle and his extended arm may suggest he had just thrown a javelin. The Alexander mosaic is thought to be a recreation of an earlier painting from the 3rd century BCE by the artist Philoxenos of Eretria.

Archery first appeared in the modern Olympics in 1900 and then again in 1904, 1908 and 1920,
after which it disappeared from the games until 1972.



These female archers are competing in the National Round Archery event of the 1908 London
Olympics, just eight years after women were first permitted to enter the games at all.

The event was won by Sybil (Queenie) Newall of Great Britain.

Quinton Jackson vs. Igor Vovchanchyn from Pride 22.

Mike Tyson winning his first heavyweight title against Trevor Berbick on November 22, 1986. Berbick had been champ
for just eight months before the defeat, in which he demonstrated that going toe-to-toe with ‘Iron Mike’ was a big mistake.

Cheung Lai Chuen, (born around 1880) was a kung fu legend who mastered Lei Ga (Lee Style), Lung Ying (Southern Dragon Style), Lau Man Gaau (Vagabond or Wanderer's Style) and Pak Mei (White Eyebrow Style), which he adapted and took out of secrecy, popularizing the art in Hong Kong around the turn of the 20th century.

Ramesses II's attacking the Cheta people with his composite bow at the Siege of Dapur (1269 BCE).
The image was copied from a mural in Ramesses II's temple in Thebes.

A young Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama training on a makiwara board c.1954.