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Martial Arts

In modern history the interest of East Asian martial arts for Western Civilization dates back to the 19th century, mostly to do with trade realtions with China and Japan. Few people at that time in the United States were practicing the arts, seeing it as more of a performance art. The first known demonstrations were performed by Asians, which contributed greatly to the perception of Martial Arts to be only a performance art. As influence of the West grew in Asia, a much larger number of military personnel spent more time in China, Japan, and Korea, which lead to soldiers seeing the value of Eastern martial arts other than a performance art. By the time of the mid to late 1900's Karate and Judo were a household name. Appearing in movies and TV shows, martial arts had gained mainstream popularity and a few martial arts schools could be found in major cities. Today martial arts are still used as a performance art, although, it is also used as a combat method as well as a sport for competition.

It is often said that the purpose of martial arts is for self-defense, and not injuring one's opponent is the highest expression of the art. There are several different styles of martial arts today. Some styles are meant to use an opponent's attack against them, block the attack, or even disable the opponent completely. As training progresses, the individual is taught position (stance), balance (control of position), coordination (control of blance and position in technique), form (performing correctly), Speed (increase the rate of performance without loss of form), Power (strengthing technique), reflex (technique becomes a natural movement), and conclusion (it is important that progression is not rushed, but developed). Although, the original creation of martial arts was created for combat, the main principles that are still taught today are: self improvement, truth, willingness, respect, and self-control. As lessons are taught, many students of martial arts have learned that martials arts can be used not only for combat or sport, but also as a way of life.

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