Martial Arts

Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development. The term is in origin a loan translation of the Japanese term bujutsu, first coined in the 1930s. In the course of the 20th century, the term's meaning expanded to include all forms of "fighting arts", not necessarily limited to those of Japanese or Asian origin. Some martial arts are considered "traditional" and tied to an ethnic, cultural or religious background, while others are modern systems developed either by a founder, or by an association.