List of martial arts and their country of origin
If you’re interested in learning what martial arts come from where then this will guide will show you the origins of the most popular disciplines and where they originate from. It’s worth noting that some countries have trained similar martial arts from many years ago. For instance, boxing was practiced in various continents by multiple, differing cultures. The same goes for wrestling. With this in mind, we’ve listed where these arts became most popularized. Whether it’s striking in Africa or fencing in Spain, we’ve listed them all.
Brazil: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Capoeira, Vale Tudo
Israel: Krav Maga
United Kingdom: Modern boxing
Nigeria: Danbe
Russia: Systema, Sambo
Hong Kong: Jeet Kune Do
Myanmar: Lethwei
America: Kenpo, Marine Corps
Spain: Fencing
China: Shaolin Kung Fu, Shuai Jiao, Wushu, Tai Chi, Sanda, Wing Chun
India: Kalaripayattu
Philippines: Eskrima, Kali
Thailand: Muay Thai, Muay Boran, Krabi Krabong
Japan: Karate, Kobudo, Judo, Ju Jitsu, Kendo, Aikido, Sumo, Ninjutsu, Shootfighting
Korea: Ssireum, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Tang Sang Do
Vietnam: Vovinam
Greece: Pankration, Wrestling
UK: Bartitsu
Netherlands: Kickboxing
France: Savate
Key takeaways
Obviously, the far east is known as a hotspot for martial arts and hosts some of the oldest on the planet. Specifically, the countries China and Japan spring to mind when thinking about the likes of Kung Fu and Karate. Of course, there are other far eastern countries too such as Korea which birthed Taekwondo, Hapkido, and others too.
Why is this? We don’t really know but it’s probably not a coincidence. It may have been that styles were unified earlier than other parts of the world but regardless, the result is that Asia is known as being a hub for traditional martial arts of all styles. Elsewhere, martial arts styles are fairly spread around the world. Each continent has a handful of countries that have their own martial art but for the most part, the other continents aren’t as significant as Asia.
Will more martial arts be made in the future?
As far as humanity goes, it often has a habit of failing to learn from the past. Each generation believes they are at the pinnacle of civilization without much left to be discovered. Regarding this, it’s fair to assume that more martial arts will be made and discovered in the future. For instance, right now you could argue that tactical shooting is becoming increasingly popular. Whilst this is not seen as a martial art right now, it’s fair to say that it could be seen as one in the future.
Furthermore, there are also a few recent examples of this. Russian Sambo is barely 100 years old, whilst Krav Maga was founded in the 1970s. These are clear examples that more martial arts will probably crop up in the future. What should also be respected is that both Sambo and Krav Maga aren’t completely ‘new’ either. Sambo often takes from Judo and similar grappling arts, whilst Krav Maga has similarities with Eskrima, Kickboxing, and Wing Chun. Therefore, whilst more martial arts may be ‘invented’, often they are just reinventing the wheel.
If you’re looking to learn more about the history of martial arts then check out this great book which details the earlier stages of development.
