Martial Arts Brief History

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Aikido Founder: Morihei Ueshiba, born Japan. December 14, 1883. Receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting., he began delving into religions in hopes of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while continuing to pursue his studies of budo, or the martial arts. By combining his martial training with his religious and political ideologies, he created the modern martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba decided on the name "Aikido" in 1942 (before that he called his martial art "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi").On the technical side, Aikido is rooted in several styles of jujitsu (from which modern judo is also derived), in particular daitoryu-(aiki)jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting arts.
Iaido The full name of the style of Iaï-Do that is the most widely practiced in central Japan today is Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu, meaning “peerless, direct transmission, true-faith style of Eishin.” Swordsman were engaging in single combat in Japan up until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. After the restoration, swordsmanship went into a general decline, but a number of schools perpetuated the art of swordsmanship: Iaaijutsu, Kenjutsu, or Batto-jutsu among them. The emphasis in these schools was preservation of techniques that swordsmen had practiced before 1868. Today, Eishin ryu is practiced by two or three thousand people in Japan, and has exponents around the world. The administration of the system is primarily handled by the Eishin-Ryu Traditions Association, led by the Soke, and by the all Japan Iaï-Do federation, which oversees competitions and promotions in many different Iaï-Do styles.
Judo    Founder: Jigoro Kano(Photo right).As a boy, Kano was an undersized, slender, weak, and sickly child with one sickness after another. Against his doctor's advice, Kano decided to do something to improve his health and at the same time learn how to defend himself against bullies. At the age of 18 he enrolled in the Tenjin Shinyo ryu school of jujitsu. Under the guidance of Fukuda Hachinosuke, Kano began his long journey to physical well-being. The Tenjin Shinyo ryu was a soft martial art that stressed harmony rather than combat, yet at the same time included striking and grappling techniques. After studying at the Tenjin Shinyo ryu, Kano transferred to the Kito ryu school to study under Tsunetoshi Iikubo. This brand of jujitsu was much softer and stressed moderate workouts with attention given to freedom of action, the abstract symbolism connected with physical technique, and throwing techniques. It was during these times that Kano began a comprehensive and systematic study of other forms of jujitsu such as sekiguchi-ryu and seigo-ryu. He started this project out of respect for his masters, but he soon he craved for a mental knowledge that was lacking in their teachings. He sought to understand the superior control that his teachers had mastered. He also studied the manuscripts developed by the founders of various schools, the I Ching, (Book of Changes), and Lao-Tsze's philosophy. Around 1880 Kano started rethinking the jujitsu techniques he had learned. He saw that by combining the best techniques of various schools into one system he could create a physical education program that would embody mental and physical skill. In addition, he believed that the techniques could be practiced as a competitive sport if the more dangerous techniques were omitted.  Thus Judo the “gentle way” wad established.
Ju-Jitsu History Of Ju Jitsu - The Samurai or warrior class in Japan were trained to use a wide variety of weapons, including Sword, Spear, Halberd and Bow. Techniques of using these weapons are collectively known as Bujutsu. The Samurai expected to fight similar opponents to himself, who would be both armed and armoured, furthermore Samurai were armed at all times, even when asleep a short sword would be close to hand. However there were times when a warrior would be unable, or would not choose to use his main weapons but would close and grapple with an opponent. This grappling could be to take an opponent prisoner or simply to hold him still whilst the Samurai brought another weapon into play. These techniques of grappling in armour went under names such as Kumi-Uchi, Wajutsu, Taijutsu, Yawara-ge and Torite. As with Bujutsu the actual style varied somewhat between schools. In 1603 the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu seized control of all Japan and declared himself Shogun, or supreme military ruler. The Tokugawa clan remained in power until 1868, this is known as the Edo period of Japanese history. The Edo period was one of relative peace, and the power and prestige of the Samurai gradually declined. As times grew less warlike the need to kill opponents was reduced and skill with the major weapons became less important. Samurai still needed to defend themselves however and began to place greater emphasis on their unarmed fighting skills. It was during this period that the name Ju Jitsu came into general use and also when the study of the art spread from the Samurai to the common people of Japan, who historically had not been permitted to own or train with weapons. At this period in it's history Ju Jitsu still emphasised grappling techniques and the use of small, easily concealed weapons such as knives and knuckledusters. As the art evolved however it incorporated striking skills from the Chinese Ch'uan fa (fist way), which is called Kenpo in Japanese. Ju Jitsu first came to the British Isles in the early 20th Century, a dojo was established in Oxford Street and the British Ju Jitsu Association was established to promote the art. In 1918 another dojo was opened in London, this was the Budokwai which is still in existence, although it now teaches Judo, a competitive sport derived from Ju Jitsu. http://www.jujitsu-ireland.com/
Karate Legend has it, the evolution of karate began over a thousand years ago, possibly as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma (known as "Daruma" in Japan and as often as not, this Indian Buddhist monk is cited as the prime source for all martial arts styles or at the vary least, for any style which traces its roots back to the fabled Shaolin Temple. However, the question of his contributions to the martial arts and to Zen Buddhism and even of his very existence has been a matter of controversy among historians and martial arts scholars for many years .) arrived in Shaolin-si (small forest temple), China from India and taught Zen Buddhism. He also introduced a systematized set of exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body, exercises which allegedly marked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing. Bodhidharma's teachings later became the basis for the majority of Chinese martial arts. In truth, the origins of karate appear to be somewhat obscure and little known is about the early development of karate until it appeared in Okinawa. Okinawa Okinawa is a small island of the group that comprises modern day Japan. It is the main island in the chain of Ryuku Islands, which spans from Japan to Taiwan. Surrounded by coral, Okinawa is approximately 10 km wide and only about 110 km long. It is situated 740 km� east of Mainland China, 550 km� south of mainland Japan and an equal distance north of Taiwan. Being at the crossroads of major trading routes, its significance as a "resting spot" was discovered first by the Japanese. It later developed as a trade centre for south-eastern Asia, trading with Japan, China, Indo China, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines. �In its earliest stages, the martial art known as "karate" was an indigenous form of closed fist fighting which was developed in Okinawa and called Te, or 'hand'. Weapons bans, imposed on the� people of Okinawa at various points in their history, encouraged the refinement of empty-hand techniques and, for this reason, was trained in secret until modern times. Further refinement came with the influence of other martial arts brought by nobles and trade merchants to the island. Te continued to develop over the years, primarily in the Okinawan cities of Shuri, Tomari and Haha. Each of these towns was a centre to a different sect of society: kings and nobles, merchants and business people, and farmers and fishermen, respectively. For this reason, different forms of self-defence developed within each city and subsequently became known as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Te meaning hand.Collectively they were called Okinawa-Te or Tode, 'Chinese hand'. Gradually, karate was divided into two main groups: Shorin-ryu which developed around Shuri and Tomari and Shorei-ryu which came from the Naha area ( these two styles were later united by Chomo Hanahiro). Importantly, however, that the towns of Shuri, Tomari, Naha are only a few miles apart, and that the differences between their arts were essentially ones of emphasis, not of kind. Beneath these surface differences, both the methods and aims of all Okinawan karate are one in the same. Gichin Funakoshi (considerd the founding father of "modern" Karate)goes further to suggest that these two styles were developed based on different physical requirements. Shorin-ryu was quick and linear with natural breathing while Shorei-ryu emphasized steady, rooted movements with breathing in synchrony with each movement. Interestingly, these concepts of two basic styles also exist in kung fu with a similar division of characteristics. HISTORY OF OKINAWA SEISHINRYOKU KARATE DO / KOBUDO Okinawa Seisshinryoku Karate Do is a style of Karate from Okinawa. It emerged from the union of two Okinawan schools, Shorin Ryu and Shorei Ryu. Its roots originate from Chomo Hanahiro, the man who chaneged the name of Tode to Karate do, after the death of Chomo Hanahiro Sokon Hanashiro took over his position he left the island to travel to the surrounding region (monolia, China and India). In 1980 he returned to Okinawa where he began taeching an intregrated system taht included apart fom hits with the hands and feet, ground fighting, low kicks, Aki Jitsu, judo, Kick- boxing, Kobudo, Iai do and Kendo. Uniting all martial arts in one maintaing the structure of Karate he refered to this system as Okinawan Ryu. In 2004 he appointed Soke Nasiakos Spyros (8th Dan) as his sucessor, Soke Nasiakos Spyros renamed the style Okinawa Seisshinryoku Krate Do an together with the other students of Sokon Hanashiro Established the I.O.S.K.D.K.A based on Naha, Okinawa. Today the Seisshinryoku organisation is present in over 30 countries including Ireland, Brendan Donnelly being the National representative to Ireland. � More on Karate?
Kung-fu     The origin of Kung Fu is lost in the pages of time. During prehistoric ages, the art of self defense was pretty much confined to man's own ingenuity. Throwing of rocks and wielding crude weapons such as clubs and stone axes were no doubt the earliest means of warding off primitive man's many enemies. In China, however, crude methods of self existence gradually developed into highly refined methods of combat. Methods which reflected not only fighting tactics, but also the principles of psychology, physiology, medicine, physical therapy, and meditation. Unfortunately, a great deal of Kung Fu's history is obscure. Because dates and details are often contradictory, much of what we hear today must be considered legendary. Many styles of Kung Fu revolve around the ideas of metaphysics and nature. Ancient boxing masters often developed their fighting techniques by observing the world around them. Animals, birds, and insects provided the basis for many systems of Kung Fu developed in the past. Other influential factors were the beliefs of Chinese philosophy and religion. The soft style of Tai Chi Chuan, for instance, is rooted in the teaching of Taoism. In addition to its value as a means of self defense, Tai Chi is highly beneficial for the promotion of good health. Through its training, one can attain inner peace and a sense of physical and emotional well being. For this reason, Tai Chi is often called Chinese Yoga: the art and science of meditation through movement. While the soft styles of Kung Fu derive their philosophy from Taoism, many of the hard styles trace their origin to the Buddhist monastery called Shaolin (Siu Lum in Cantonese). It was there that a mysterious Indian priest named Tamo established residence nearly 1500 years ago. According to legend, Tamo arrived at the Shaolin monastery where he found the monks in poor physical condition. Because of their inability to stay awake during meditation, Tamo introduced a series of 18 exercises designed to nourish both body and mind. These therapeutic movements are said to have merged with self-defense tactics studied in the Shaolin Temple. During his stay there, Tamo is also credited with introducing the Buddhist philosophy of Chan (Zen in Japanese) into China. The next major development supposedly occurred in the 16th century, when a wealthy young man named Kwok Yuen entered the monastery to study their methods of boxing. A skilled swordsman, Kwok Yuen not only mastered the Shaolin art, but expanded its fighting patterns into 72 exercises. Still yearning for greater knowledge, he left the Temple and traveled throughout China in search of other boxing masters. Eventually, he met two other experts: Pak Yook Fong and an old man named Li. The three retired to a monastery, where the 72 movements of Kwok Yuen were increased to 170. These techniques were then classified into five different animal forms: the dragon, tiger, leopard, crane, and snake. Thus was born Shaolin Kung Fu's "Five Form Fist." Although many details of the Shaolin art are not clear, records indicate that priests from the Temple proved themselves formidable fighters in many historical battles. Down through the centuries, therefore, the name Shaolin became renowned for the skill of its boxing monks. Behind the Temple walls, self discipline augmented technical skill. A rigid code of ethics was established to improve the caliber of Shaolin boxers. In addition to the development of fighting skill, therefore, humility, prudence, patience, and dedication became equally important in the Shaolin way of life. According to popular belief, boxers could only graduate by passing a harrowing life-or-death examination. The candidate was sealed in a specially designed labyrinth, which had only one exit–the front gate of the Shaolin Temple. As he worked his way through this maze, the boxer encountered deadly traps, armed dummies, and other lethal devices, all triggered mechanically. If he succeeded in reaching the exit, the potential graduate came face to face with one final obstacle–a huge red-hot urn. To gain his freedom, the Shaolin disciple would need to wrap his forearms around the smoldering object and move it aside. In so doing, he received on his forearms the formidable seal of two dragons–the sign of a Shaolin graduate. For century after century, the secrets of Shaolin Kung Fu remained hidden within the Temple. When China was conquered by the Manchus in the 17th century, officials and supporters of the defeated Ming dynasty sought refuge at the monastery. Fearful of a possible uprising, the Manchu government launched several attacks on the Temple. During the final attack, legend says that the monastery was burned to the ground. Boxers who survived this raid, however, established new lives in the outside world, and in so doing, propagated the Shaolin art throughout the four corners of China.
Kick-Boxing  Kick-Boxing was created by Japanese boxing promotor Osamu Noguchi in 1950.He wanted to introduce the Japanese people to what he had seen in Thailand.He brought some Muay Thai fighters to Japan, elbows and knees were forbiden as striking weapon.
Muay Thai "Muaythai" is a national sport of Thai society. It has held for competition continuously since Sukhothai period, between 1257 - 1377 AD. During the reign of King Pha Chao Sua, he disguised himself to box with ordinary people in 1702."The Tiger King" He loved Muay Thai so much that he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions. During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. The King to keep the army busy, ordered it to train in Muay Thai. The interest in the sport was already high but now it took off yet again. In 1774, Nai Khanohm Tom was famous for his battle against a group of Burmese. Nai Khanom Tom was a prisoner of war in Burma. The Burmese had captured him when they sacked and burnt Thailand's ancient capital Ayutthaya. Nai Khanom Tom must have been a great fighter. Without pause, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest. He defeated ten of Burma's best. King Mangra was one of the first to applaud the feat he had witnessed. 'Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom, even with his bare hands he can fell nine or ten opponents.' The King gave Nai Thanom Tom his freedom and he retuned to Ayutthaya. and a heroes welcome. The army fostered Muay Thai. Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand. For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skill, the martial art of the battlefield. When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muay Thai. But then so does every Thai person, male or female. Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood. It always has been. Muaythai became the favourite sport and pastime of the people, the army and the King. Historical sources show that people from all walks of life flocked to training camps. Rich, poor, young and old all wanted some of the action. Every village staged its prize fights and had its champions. Every bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained with the sport and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights. Muaythai compettition was an activity that earned income for boxers throughout Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods. In 1921 the competition held on the ground floor with the width of 20 m. (spectators sit or stand around the boxers to form boundary) was no longer existed. a 4-foot ringwith two stairs to get on the ring replaced it mostly. The changes that the sport has undergone have been changes to equipment used rather than radical change. In 1923 it marked the end of the practice of "rope" wrappings around the knuckles entirely. The police by the interior Ministry prescribed the boxers to worn gloves instead and groin guards.. The groin guard later became a triangular shaped pillow, red or blue, tied around the waist with a through strap between the legs. This innovation was also in response to the growing success of Thai Boxers in international boxing. the groin was a perfectly legal move up until the 1930's. In the early days, the protection was made from tree bark or sea shells held in place with a piece of cloth tied between the legs and around the waist. The establishment of stadiums, instead of makeshift rings and courtyards,began during the reign of Rama VII before the Second World War. During the war, they gradually disappeared but mushroomed again soon afterwards - MuayThai had not lost any of its appeal. The boxers from up-country once again headed toward fame and fortune in Bangkok. The glory could be found at stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee. Muaythai live on air from the ring by TV. Ch3, Ch5, Ch7, Ch9, Ch11, ITV and UBC. The television fight broadcasts rate among the Kingdom's most popular programmes. In the provinces, villages cluster around any available TV to watch. In the city, people disappear from the streets while Thailand is watching Muay Thai. Other modern figures become legends because of a particular skill in the Muay Thai art. Like Apidej Sit-Hirun, known as 'The Champion of Seven Titles', the most fearful kicker that Muay Thai may ever have seen, he once broke his opponent's arm with his kick strike. Thai Boxing is also becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand. It has its enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas, Australia, Europe, Holland, Finland, Russia, and Japan as well as in many other countries around the world. Training camps have been set up in many countries, creatina large number of professional and amateur Muay Thai boxers, coached by many Thai as well as non-Thai Instructors. Today for Amatuer Muaythai have two international organization The International Amateur Muaythai Federation (IAMTF) had organized the First world Amateur Muay Thai Championships in 1995, The International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) just manage Program "WORLD CUP 2000" Amateur Muaythai fighters wear protective helmets and padded vests. for internation Professional by World Muaythai Council (WMC), for Thailand Professional Muaythai associate of Thailand. every person about Muaythai (Boxer, Promoter..) protected by The laws of Muaythai, There is always a referee posted on the ring for each fight, There are competitions for Muaythai champional boxing are similar in their appearance to the society and being globalization. The world's communities accept them as sports for professionals.   Rules for competition.