Ancient History

From Shadows to Steel: The Secret Histories of 20 Martial Arts

Darren - May 29, 2025

Martial arts are more than mere methods of fighting; they are ancient disciplines steeped in secrecy, spirituality, and cultural tradition. Often forged in the crucible of warfare or hidden within esoteric philosophies, their true origins and histories remain shrouded in mystery. Across the globe, from shadowy temples to fierce battlefields, martial arts have evolved quietly, their teachings passed down through whispers, sacred scrolls, and guarded lineages. In this exploration, we will delve deep into the enigmatic pasts of 20 martial arts, revealing the hidden stories that have shaped them into the revered arts we know today.

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1. Ninjutsu

Born within the shadows of feudal Japan, Ninjutsu emerged as the clandestine art of espionage, sabotage, and stealth warfare. Practitioners, known as shinobi or ninjas, mastered techniques including disguise, infiltration, guerrilla tactics, and assassination. Contrary to popular portrayals, genuine ninjas prioritized secrecy and subtlety, often avoiding direct confrontation in favor of psychological manipulation and covert operations. Modern pop culture, from films to video games, has romanticized ninjas, yet historical records reveal a pragmatic discipline deeply rooted in survival and intelligence gathering. Authentic historical insights about Ninjutsu can be found through authoritative sources like the Bujinkan Dojo, preserving traditional teachings.

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2. Krav Maga

Developed in the tumultuous streets and battlefields of mid-20th century Israel, Krav Maga emerged as a pragmatic, highly effective self-defense system tailored for real-world conflict. Its creator, Imi Lichtenfeld, drew from his personal experiences in street fighting and military combat to craft techniques that emphasize instinctive movements, aggression, and swift neutralization of threats. Krav Maga abandons ceremonial traditions, prioritizing adaptability and practical scenarios, making it ideal for military, law enforcement, and civilian self-defense. Authoritative organizations such as the Krav Maga Worldwide Federation continue to uphold and disseminate these battle-tested techniques globally.

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3. Silat

Emerging from the lush jungles and vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, Silat is an enigmatic martial art steeped in spirituality, tradition, and combat efficiency. While its exact origins remain hidden within oral histories and legends, Silat is known for fluid and rhythmic movements inspired by nature, animals, and spiritual symbolism. Practitioners seamlessly blend strikes, grappling, and weapon techniques, often accompanied by deep philosophical teachings emphasizing inner strength and harmony.
Historically, Silat warriors defended communities during conflicts, embedding the art into the cultural fabric of the region.

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4. Kalaripayattu

Originating in the verdant landscapes of Kerala, India, Kalaripayattu is often celebrated as one of the world’s earliest martial arts traditions. Dating back over two millennia, this ancient practice integrates dynamic combat techniques with spiritual wisdom and Ayurvedic medicinal knowledge. Practitioners engage in rigorous physical conditioning, weapon mastery, and intricate sequences that mimic animal movements, designed to align body, mind, and spirit. Beyond its physical prowess, Kalaripayattu’s holistic approach significantly influenced many Asian martial arts traditions, spreading through cultural exchanges and trade routes.

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5. Systema

Developed within the secretive ranks of Russian military and intelligence units, Systema is a martial art deeply rooted in adaptability, efficiency, and psychological control. Unlike many structured disciplines, Systema avoids rigid forms, emphasizing fluidity, instinctive reactions, and natural movement to overcome adversaries. Unique to Systema are specialized breathing techniques designed to manage stress, enhance endurance, and maintain calmness under pressure. Its pragmatic approach, shaped by real-world espionage and combat scenarios, prioritizes improvisation and personal awareness.

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6. Capoeira

Born in the vibrant yet oppressive environment of colonial Brazil, Capoeira emerged as a covert martial art practiced by enslaved Africans seeking liberation. Disguised as a dance accompanied by rhythmic music and singing, practitioners developed acrobatic, fluid movements designed to mask combat techniques from colonial overseers. Beyond physical prowess, Capoeira symbolizes cultural resilience, spiritual strength, and communal solidarity among Afro-Brazilian communities. Today, this art form continues to captivate audiences worldwide, embodying a powerful narrative of resistance and identity preservation.

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7. Muay Thai

Emerging from Thailand’s ancient battlefield traditions, Muay Thai was initially developed to equip warriors with potent combative skills during warfare. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” it incorporates fists, elbows, knees, and shins, transforming the body into a versatile weapon. Beyond fighting techniques, Muay Thai integrates spiritual rituals, notably the ceremonial dance Wai Kru Ram Muay, performed to honor teachers and ancestors. Today, it has evolved into a globally recognized combat sport, maintaining deep cultural significance within Thailand and beyond.

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8. Wing Chun

Rooted in legendary tales of rebellion and empowerment, Wing Chun originated in Southern China, attributed to the Buddhist nun Ng Mui and her student Yim Wing Chun. Characterized by direct, efficient movements and close-range combat strategies, this martial art emphasizes economy of motion, sensitivity training, and swift counter-attacks Its practical effectiveness attracted global attention through iconic figures such as Grandmaster Ip Man and his legendary student Bruce Lee, who introduced Wing Chun’s principles to international audiences.

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9. Savate

Born amidst the bustling streets and docks of 19th-century Paris, Savate emerged as a distinctive French fighting style blending graceful kicks, swift footwork, and precise strikes. Initially practiced by sailors and street fighters, Savate reflected the gritty urban realities and socio-economic tensions of its era. Its unique techniques, emphasizing agility and accuracy, distinguished it from other martial traditions, earning it the nickname “boxe française“. Over time, Savate transformed into a refined combat sport embraced by all social classes, symbolizing French elegance and athleticism.

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10. Escrima

Forged in the dynamic cultural tapestry of the Philippines, Escrima, also known as Kali or Arnis, evolved from indigenous warfare and tribal defense tactics. Renowned for its versatile stick-fighting methods, Escrima extends beyond weapons training, incorporating blades, empty-hand techniques, and fluid footwork. Historically, it played a critical role during periods of colonial resistance, serving as both a practical defense system and a poignant symbol of Filipino resilience and identity. Today, Escrima remains a cherished national martial art, celebrated globally for its effectiveness and historical significance.

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11. Sambo

Originating in the early Soviet Union, Sambo emerged as a dynamic martial system blending elements of judo, wrestling, and various indigenous combat techniques. Initially created in the 1920s and 1930s to enhance military combat readiness, Sambo quickly became integral to Soviet military and law enforcement training. Its distinctive style emphasizes grappling, throws, joint locks, and ground control, making it both practical and effective. Today, Sambo has evolved into a globally recognized sport, steadily growing in popularity and influence internationally.

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12. Taekkyeon

An elegant and graceful martial art, Taekkyeon originated in Korea, distinguishing itself through fluid, dance-like movements and rhythmic footwork. Historically practiced as a communal activity during festivals and village gatherings, its playful yet competitive nature fostered camaraderie and cultural pride. Despite nearly disappearing during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea, dedicated masters carefully preserved its techniques, leading to a remarkable revival in recent decades. Today, Taekkyeon is celebrated as a treasured cultural heritage, officially recognized by UNESCO.

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13. Bokator

Steeped in Cambodia’s ancient Khmer heritage, Bokator is a martial art renowned for its powerful, animal-inspired techniques and battlefield origins. Practitioners emulate precise movements of lions, eagles, and other creatures, blending graceful agility with devastating strength. Tragically, Bokator faced near-extinction during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, when cultural practices were systematically suppressed. However, dedicated masters and cultural preservationists have tirelessly worked to revive and protect this martial tradition, reconnecting Cambodians with their ancestral heritage.

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14. Hapkido

Originating in post-war Korea, Hapkido is renowned for its diverse and pragmatic approach to self-defense, seamlessly integrating powerful strikes, joint locks, throws, and traditional weaponry. Its foundations trace back to Choi Yong-Sool, who adapted techniques from Japanese martial arts such as Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, blending them uniquely with Korean martial traditions. This fusion created an art emphasizing fluidity, adaptability, and strategic use of an opponent’s energy against them. Today, Hapkido enjoys global popularity, recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and effectiveness.

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15. Pankration

Forged in the competitive arenas of ancient Greece, Pankration was a formidable martial discipline blending boxing, wrestling, and relentless endurance. Introduced to the Olympic Games in 648 BCE, it quickly gained notoriety for its intense and often brutal combat, where only biting and eye-gouging were prohibited. Victors were celebrated as heroes, embodying Greek ideals of physical prowess and courage. In recent decades, enthusiasts have sought to revive Pankration, blending historical research with modern martial arts techniques.

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16. Jeet Kune Do

Created by the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do revolutionized traditional combat by emphasizing simplicity, directness, and practicality. Translating as “Way of the Intercepting Fist,” this innovative approach rejects rigid styles, advocating instead for adaptability, efficiency, and self-expression through combat. Lee synthesized elements from various disciplines—including Wing Chun, boxing, fencing, and philosophy—into a fluid, evolving martial framework. Beyond its physical techniques, Jeet Kune Do embodies Lee’s profound philosophical insights, influencing martial arts culture worldwide.

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17. Bartitsu

Born in Victorian London, Bartitsu emerged as an eclectic martial art blending boxing, French Savate, wrestling, and Japanese jujutsu alongside distinctive cane-fighting techniques.
Created by Edward William Barton-Wright, Bartitsu gained fame through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, notably referenced as Holmes’s method of defeating Professor Moriarty.
Tailored for self-defense amidst the bustling, occasionally dangerous urban landscape of late-19th-century London, Bartitsu embodied a uniquely cosmopolitan approach to personal combat.

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18. Dambe

Originating among the Hausa communities of northern Nigeria, Dambe is an ancient boxing style steeped in tradition, ritual, and cultural symbolism. Fighters wrap their dominant hand in hard rope, creating a formidable weapon known as the “spear,” while the other hand acts defensively as the “shield.” Historically, Dambe matches were held during harvest festivals, serving as rites of passage and demonstrations of masculine valor. Today, this traditional martial art is experiencing a modern revival, gaining international attention through social media and global combat sports enthusiasts.

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19. Glima

Steeped in the rugged history of Iceland, Glima traces its origins back to the Viking Age, serving both as training for warriors and a popular pastime. Characterized by distinctive techniques emphasizing agility, balance, and leverage, Glima wrestlers grip belts around their opponent’s waist, aiming for strategic takedowns. Beyond mere competition, Glima embodies Icelandic cultural identity, reflecting ancient Norse values of strength, honor, and resilience. Today, dedicated cultural efforts preserve and promote this unique martial tradition.

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20. Lua

Once closely guarded by the warrior elite of ancient Hawaii, Lua is a martial art deeply intertwined with sacred rituals, spirituality, and cultural symbolism. Practitioners mastered bone-breaking techniques, joint locks, and weapon-based combat, all enveloped within ceremonial traditions and strict codes of conduct. Historically practiced in secrecy to preserve its potency and strategic advantage, Lua nearly vanished during periods of cultural suppression. Today, dedicated cultural practitioners are passionately reviving Lua, reconnecting Hawaiians with their ancestral heritage and traditional warrior ethos.

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