Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. While they may be studied for various reasons, martial arts share a single objective: to physically defeat other persons and to defend oneself or others from physical threat. In addition, some martial arts are linked to beliefs such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism or Shinto while others follow a particular code of honour. Many arts are also practised competitively, most commonly as combat sports, but may also take the form of dance.
The term martial arts refers to the art of warfare (from Mars, the god of war). It comes from a 15th-century European term for fighting arts now known as historical European martial arts. A practitioner of martial arts is referred to as a martial artist.
In popular culture, the term martial arts often specifically refers to the combat systems that originated in Asian cultures, especially East Asian martial arts. However, the term actually refers to any codified combat system, regardless of origin. Europe is home to many extensive systems of martial arts, both living traditions (e.g. Jogo do Pau and other stick and sword fencing and Savate, a French kicking style developed by sailors and street fighters) and older systems of historical European martial arts that have existed through the present, many of which are now being reconstructed. In the Americas, Native Americans have traditions of open-handed martial arts including wrestling, and Hawaiians have historically practiced arts featuring small- and large-joint manipulation. A mix of origins is found in the athletic movements of Capoeira, which African slaves developed based on skills they had brought from Africa.
While each style has unique facets that make it different from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systemization of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms or kata. Forms are especially common in the Asian and Asian-derived martial arts
The term martial arts refers to the art of warfare (from Mars, the god of war). It comes from a 15th-century European term for fighting arts now known as historical European martial arts. A practitioner of martial arts is referred to as a martial artist.
In popular culture, the term martial arts often specifically refers to the combat systems that originated in Asian cultures, especially East Asian martial arts. However, the term actually refers to any codified combat system, regardless of origin. Europe is home to many extensive systems of martial arts, both living traditions (e.g. Jogo do Pau and other stick and sword fencing and Savate, a French kicking style developed by sailors and street fighters) and older systems of historical European martial arts that have existed through the present, many of which are now being reconstructed. In the Americas, Native Americans have traditions of open-handed martial arts including wrestling, and Hawaiians have historically practiced arts featuring small- and large-joint manipulation. A mix of origins is found in the athletic movements of Capoeira, which African slaves developed based on skills they had brought from Africa.
While each style has unique facets that make it different from other martial arts, a common characteristic is the systemization of fighting techniques. Methods of training vary and may include sparring (simulated combat) or formal sets or routines of techniques known as forms or kata. Forms are especially common in the Asian and Asian-derived martial arts
Martial Arts Links
- Dragon Moon Martial Arts Association
- Private educational organization which provides comprehensive instruction in the physical, mental, and spiritual discipline of the Pai Family Method of Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Meditation and related cultural arts.
- Pai Li Lung's Pai Lum Homepage
- Provides information and help for all practitioners of Pai Lum Kung Fu and other arts. Lineage and history, basics, photos and videos, philosophy, other Pai Lum schools, links and related information.
- Golden Dragon Kung Fu Association
- Style history, champion photographs, student awards and links. [Ireland]
- Fire Dragon Australia
- Pai Lum Kung Fu in Australia. Training details and philosophy.
- White Dragon Warrior Society
- Founded by Great Grandmaster Daniel Kane Pai and Grandmaster Glenn C. Wilson to preserve the way of the White Dragon Warrior. Lists news, membership details, pictures, history and members only area.
- Sojourn Past Martial Arts Institute
- Teaching rare styles of Kung-Fu such as southern dragon style, Mo-gar, water boxing, Tai-Chi and Noi-Fung(taoist yoga). Lion dancing and all weapons. [San Diego, CA]
- Florida Dragon Sign Athletic Association
- Teaching Dragon Style Kung Fu. Contact, lineage, photographs and links.
- Academy of Kung Fu
- Learn about Pai Lum Kung Fu (White Dragon), schools, history and the White Dragon Warriors Society Inc. [Flash required]
- Pai Yili's Pai Lum Kung Fu Information
- Provides practical and beginner-oriented information for practitioners of Pai Lum (White Dragon) Kung Fu, as well as general martial arts information.
- Pai Lum Warrior
- Features information in the curriculum, instructors, and events. Includes school and contact details. Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Gaffiero's Mon Lung Kung Fu Kwoon-Malta
- Teaching Mon Lung style in Sliema, Malta, Europe. Includes history and contact information.
- Dragon Style Kung Fu UK
- Features information on classes, lineage, instructors, links, and contact details. Available at several locations in the United Kingdom.
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