The Benefits of Practicing Ancient Martial Arts & Their Impact

Martial arts refer to different types of training for practical combat and self-defense that are systemized or arranged. The term “martial” is derived from an ancient Roman name Mars that means god of war. Therefore, martial arts are styles meant for one purpose: to physically defeat opponents and defend against threats.

Although the classical evidence of martial arts use can be traced back to millennia, the actual start of their practice is difficult to pinpoint. Ancient people engaged in different forms of war, hunting, and fighting. This means that every civilization subscribed to a form of combat.

About 600 BC when trade between China and India flourished, it is believed that the two communities passed to each other their martial arts.

One of the most notable classical legends of martial was an Indian monk referred to as Bodhidharma. He is credited with facilitating the transfer of Chan to China after relocating to south China. It is his classical teachings such as restraints and humility that have made him be referred to as the father of martial arts. The teachings are still applied today.

IP Man, commonly referred to as Yip Man, was a classical Chinese martial artist and a teacher of Wing Chun Kung Fu. He trained a number of students who also became masters. One of the most notable of his students was Bruce Lee.

Ip grew up in a wealthy family in Guangdong and started learning Wing Chun at an early age of 12. At 16, he moved to Hong Kong where he trained at St. Stephen’s College. In 1917, when he was 24 years, Ip returned to Guangdong and became a police officer.

He started training Kung Fu in Hong around 1950s but the business did not flourish well because most of the students only came to the island for a short time. Besides, he became an opium addict and used the bulk of the revenue he got from his Ving Tsun Athletic Association to address his addiction.

One of the most notable students of Ip was Bruce Lee. Ip died in 1972 from throat cancer and was buried at Wo Hop Shek in Hong Kong. Both teacher and student were favorites among sports bettors when placing wagers in fights they were part of. Next time you want to place a sports bet, you don’t need to look around town for a sports bookie; use this link and claim a bonus that will allow you to place bets for free online.