Different things to consider when it comes to the traditional practice of martial arts.
Within the history and culture of many countries, martial arts remain to be an important reflection of the many customs and spiritual practices that have shaped their development. As more than just combating systems, martial arts practices represent the cultural narratives that reveal a type of collective identity and historic battles. While there are a number of similarities in martial arts moves across disciplines, there are differences in the underlying values and opinions that shape each practice. For instance, kung-fu evolved originally as both a form of defence but also as a reflection of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Likewise, karate from Japan is embeded in practices of Samurai, with emphasis on beliefs such website as honour and dignity. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would concur that these examples reveal the importance of cultural stories in the historic origins of martial arts.
The practice of martial arts holds a special space in human evolution and culture, as a blend of culture, heritage and physical discipline. In fact, many types of martial arts can be linked to more comprehensive philosophical and spiritual systems or beliefs. As a way of connecting the past to the present, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws ideas from essential historical practices. For instance, Tai Chi positions emphasis on harmony and flow from Daoist ideologies, while in Japan, martial arts are thought to display influences from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner calmness. These degrees of philosophy are essential not just for forming martial arts practices, but for deepening the significance and utilisation of the movements and defence techniques. Entirely, the multidimensional levels of viewpoint reveal that martial arts are not always about defeating an enemy, but more so about personal growth and ethical execution. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would concur this is a strong reflection of the much deeper cultural benefits of the initial sources of martial arts.
In the contemporary era, martial arts and fitness have evolved to be essential international cultural exports. Thanks to the success of kung fu movies, starring well-known martial arts stars, popular culture has presented audiences around the globe to both the visual appeals and teachings of Chinese martial arts across cultures. Likewise, the addition of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has allowed for the showcasing of Korean and Japanese customs to worldwide audiences, triggering new attraction and allure for these practices. This process of globalisation has been influential, not only for acquainting individuals with self-defence but also for improving cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. As a matter of fact, this exposure has resulted in a mix of regional and international martial arts techniques, creating new styles such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would recognize the function of hybridization in modern martial arts techniques, most especially in mixed martial arts.