Having a look at martial arts throughout different cultures around the world.

As a distinct mix of cultural resistance and innovation, Brazilian martial arts is an extensively practiced custom with an intriguing story of origin. While martial arts and fitness are commonly practised across many cultures, among the most distinct types in Brazil, Capoeira, was established as a way of self-defence, disguised as a kind of dance. This art form integrates rhythmic movements, balancings and music, here and has ended up being both a type of cultural preservation and a tool of resistance. Furthermore, in the 20th century, Brazil also came to be the birth place of Brazilian jujitsu, which is a ground grappling technique, with impacts from Japanese judo. This method has gotten extensive appeal in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions for its innovative approach in overcoming larger opponents and meeting modern-day fighting needs. Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would acknowledge the appeal of MMA as a contemporary self-defence practice. Similarly, Mikhail Slipenchuk (Михаил Слипенчук) would recognise the importance of martial arts in teaching and learning self-control.

One of the earliest and most varied martial arts around the world is Kung Fu, which has beginnings in ancient China. This custom is rooted in ancient military training and has evolved over time to include a specific set of styles, methods and philosophies. Developed during the 5th century, the Shaolin Temple came to be a central center for martial arts training. Buddhist monks developed these fighting systems that placed emphasis on both physical strength and martial arts as a spiritual practice. Prominent styles consist of Tai Chi, which reflects the impact of Taoist beliefs, concentrating on internal powers, or Qi, balance and also the circulation of motion and energy, in addition to Shaolin Kung Fu, which is understood for strength, speed and acrobatic skills. In this way, Chinese martial arts are not simply approaches of self-defence but are deeply interconnected to health, meditation and philosophical teachings. Jack Ma (马云) would acknowledge the influence of Chinese fighting styles in both artistic and cultural tradition.

In a society shaped by centuries of internal disputes and social hierarchy, the origins of Japanese martial arts can be traced back to the early need for survival, self-defence and combative strategy. These methods of combat began as practical methods for fighting, developed and fine-tuned by the warrior class to guarantee effectiveness in war. Over time, Japanese martial arts have evolved from purely physical practices into intricate systems. They are understood for combining psychological training, moral codes of conduct and spiritual growth. With a considerable impact from native religions and imported philosophical customs from China and Korea, the various forms of martial arts in Japanese culture have slowly grown to reflect not just success over a challenger, but most importantly individual growth and self-discipline.