Historically, martial arts have been a part of most civilizations. From Greek and Roman wrestling, Western Boxing and fencing to Chinese Kung Fu and Japanese Karate, martial arts have a long and interesting history.
Regardless of where or when people lived, knowing the proper way to move (AKA “Get Out Of Trouble”), strike, and defend ourselves has always been relevant for our families’ survival.
KUNG FU
The first record of martial arts use is said to be when the Yellow Emperor (2698 BCE) had troops train to go to battle, using what is considered to be the most ancient martial art known as Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling).

Around 600 AD, in a mountain temple named Shaolin, Chinese monks, many of whom were retired soldiers and generals, developed Shaolin Kung Fu as a means of self defense and as a discipline of the mind, body and spirit.
At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618), the Tang Emperor’s nephew was kidnapped by the Sui army. The emperor quickly sent a message to the Shaolin Temple asking for help. 13 Shaolin monks quickly ambushed the enemy and returned with the Emperor’s nephew.
WRESTLING (PALE)
The Pentathlon was introduced at Olympia in 708 BC. It combined Discus-throwing, Long jump, Javelin-throwing, Running and the Greek Wrestling known as Palé.
BOXING
A sport at the ancient Greek Olympics, and continued as a festival activity under the Roman Empire. Researchers found boxing gloves buried under a concrete floor in at Vindolanda, an ancient Roman fort in Northumberland county, England. Romans laid that floor in about 120 C.E.
Coined in 1813 by British journalist and sportswriter Pierce Egan as the Sweet Science, due to the fact that Boxing is a sport that requires the pugilist to be tough, forward thinking and tactical. Boxing became part of the Summer Olympic Games in 1904.
KARATE
Historically, the people living in the islands of Okinawa just south of Japan got exposed to Chinese Kung Fu due to the close proximity to China. Over time, the Okinawan and Japanese practitioners developed their own styles of martial arts now known as Karate from the original influence of ancient Southern Chinese Kung Fu.
Today, it consists of several fighting elements, including: elbow strikes, punching, and kicking, but it also incorporates various open hand techniques. The primary focus of this activity is to deflect attacks. This makes karate a self-defense art.
KALI
On April 28th, 1521 the explorer Magellan and his troops invaded the Philippines. On the shore of Mactan, over knee-high water. the Filipino Leader Raja Lapu-Lapu met Magellan and his army in the Battle of Mactan Island was set on shore. Historian Antonio Pigafetta recorded that Lapu-Lapu’s troops were equipped with fire-hardened Kali sticks.

 
AIKIDO
The word Aikido translates to mean “the harmonious spirit.” This is one of the most peaceful versions of martial arts around today. This is because the technique’s creator created this method of fighting to teach you how to repel an attach without causing any damage or injuries to the other person.
JUDO
Practiced around the globe, this art was invented in 1882 by Dr. Kano Jigoro as an educational method derived from the martial arts. Judo became an official Olympic sport in 1964.
According to the rules of this sport, the goal is to take down or throw down your opponent. It focuses on leverage and follows the principle of achieving maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
 
SO WHAT MARTIAL ART IS BEST FOR MY FAMILY?
Martial arts can be a positive, healthy activity for families. But, with this dizzying array of martial arts options, it’s tough to pick the right one.
Depending on the child, he or she will likely prefer one over the others. To find the right one we need to ask ourselves one question…
Will the school teach my child how to have a better life?
The best school will not just teach how to do a great Sidekick,
the instructors will teach how “The Sidekick” is tied to the Life Skills:
Discipline, Respect, Confidence, Communication, Honesty and
Self Esteem.
AKA How to have a Better Life!
To learn more about the powerful Life Skill childhood development program that uses martial arts as the vehicle for growth, or to get your child started at our Millbury location, click the button below:
Life Skill Martial Arts
322 Millbury Avenue
Millbury, MA 01527
https://www.lifeskillma.com
Author: Stan Tabor
Stan Tabor is a 6th-degree black belt and has been training in martial arts since 1972. He is the founder of the Life Skill curriculum and association. His goal is to build a future for the next generation of the Life Skill Instructors to use martial arts as a vehicle to teach life skills that develop children physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
ABOUT US:
Welcome to Life Skill Martial Arts! Conveniently located in Millbury Massachusetts, Life Skill Martial Arts provides high quality martial arts training classes to the residents of Millbury , Worcester , Grafton , Shrewsbury, Auburn and the surrounding areas, including Sutton , Uxbridge , and Northbridge. We have a few simple goals here. However, we put 110% of our effort into achieving them. Life Skill Martial Arts Millbury helps children to build these good habits that extend to success at home and school everyday. In short, these goals have but one purpose: Provide classes that are results-driven, while at the same time fun!
Life Skill Martial Arts is NOT just another Karate School! We teach Personal Development to children using martial arts as a vehicle. Our goal is to instill the habits and skills of: Discipline – Belief – Communication – Respect – Self Esteem – Honesty.
Check out our facebook page: http://bit.ly/LifeSkillfb
Join our parenting group to get tips:   http://bit.ly/MAParents
https://www.lifeskillma.com