Originally known as warriors, samurai later belonged to the highest-ranking social caste during Japan’s Edo Period. Although the number of samurai was actually less than ten percent, they nonetheless contributed greatly to Japanese culture as well as to the development of many martial arts. To channel your inner samurai and learn more about these warriors,…

Developing your skills as a martial artist requires more than just training and discipline. Learning more about the different disciplines and the traditions surrounding them can be beneficial as well, which is why you should put these five martial arts festivals on your bucket list. #1. Chungju World Martial Arts Festival, Korea Chungju is the…

Aikido is one of the newest martial arts, having been formed near the end of World War II. Although it is a relatively recent development, it has caught on very quickly and is now practiced extensively around the world. Students everywhere can benefit not only from learning throws, holds, and locks, but by knowing a…

Learning martial arts involves more than just honing new techniques, as there are new terms and phrases to master as well. Here are a few martial arts sayings you will probably hear often and should therefore become very familiar with. #1. Arigato Gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas): Thank you very much. In Japanese, arigatou is an informal…

Martial arts are deeply rooted in history and tradition, with many going back thousands of years. What are some of the oldest martial arts in the world and how did they originate? Here is some history you might find surprising. Kalari (Kalaripayattu) Developed in ancient India, this is the oldest martial art in the world,…