Academic Council - International Council of Martial
Arts Education and Research (ICMAER)
The International Council of Martial Arts Education and
Research (ICMAER),
which is proposed to be the World Martial Arts University, serves as an academic institution of the International Association of Combat Sports (IACS). It is also associated with the National Council of Sports Science and Physical
Education (NCSPE).
The core mission of ICMAER is to advance
martial arts education, research, and the development of quality physical
education. The organization also plays an essential role in preserving
traditional martial arts, promoting inclusive physical education, and
supporting the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 through the medium of sports.
Vision & Mission
Vision
- To foster the promotion and recognition of
traditional martial arts culture globally.
Mission
- To Promote Traditional Martial Arts
Culture: Emphasizing the
preservation of martial arts traditions, techniques, and philosophy.
- To Promote Martial Arts Education and
Research Programs: Focusing
on the academic and scientific aspects of martial arts, with research on
best practices, history, and evolution.
- To Promote Martial Arts Scientific
Training Programs:
Developing cutting-edge, scientifically backed martial arts training
methods.
- To Promote Martial Arts Self-Defense
Training and Fitness Programs:
Offering courses that teach self-defense, fitness, and personal
empowerment.
- To Publish Martial Arts Books and Other
Materials: Creating a
repository of literature for martial arts enthusiasts, educators, and
students.
- To Organize National/International Martial
Arts Conventions/Conferences/Seminars: Bringing together experts, scholars, and
practitioners for knowledge exchange and networking.
- To Provide Martial Arts Regular, Distance,
and Online Training and Education: Making martial arts education accessible to a global audience
through multiple learning platforms.
- To Provide Martial Arts Graduation and
Post-Graduation Degrees/Diplomas: Offering accredited educational programs that recognize
expertise and knowledge in martial arts.
- To Affiliate Martial Arts Schools,
Academies, and Institutions:
Partnering with institutions that promote martial arts training and
education on a global scale.
The history of martial arts spans
thousands of years, with deep cultural, social, and historical influences
shaping various forms of combat across the globe. Martial arts have evolved not
only as methods of combat but also as means of personal development,
spirituality, and cultural expression. The story of martial arts is complex,
reflecting humanity's inherent need for self-defense, discipline, and skill
development.
Early History of Martial Arts
The earliest evidence of martial arts
dates back to ancient civilizations, where combat training and combat itself
were essential for survival and cultural practices. These early forms of
martial arts were often depicted in art and literature, showcasing the
importance of battle readiness. Evidence of these early martial arts practices
comes from various ancient cultures, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
·
Egypt: The oldest known depiction of martial combat comes from ancient
Egyptian art dating back to 3400 BC, showing scenes of struggle and battle. In
the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 BC), tomb art depicted wrestling techniques,
illustrating that unarmed combat training was integral to ancient Egyptian
military preparation.
·
Mesopotamia: In 3000 BC, Babylonian reliefs and poetry referenced
combat and struggle, highlighting early forms of weaponry and combat tactics.
·
China: In China, martial arts have been practiced for thousands of
years. The Yellow Emperor (2698 BC) is often associated with early combat
training, with some historical accounts suggesting that he wrote treatises on
medicine, astrology, and martial arts. The Spring and Autumn Annals of China
also provide references to early martial techniques, including archery and
hand-to-hand combat.
Martial Arts in Africa
In Africa, numerous cultures developed
their own forms of martial arts that reflected their social structures, warfare
practices, and cultural traditions.
·
Egypt: The Beni Hassan fresco from 3400 BC represents organized
fighting systems that involved wrestling, callisthenics, and combat with clubs,
spears, and other weapons.
·
Nigeria: Gidigbo, a form of wrestling practiced by the Yoruba people,
developed alongside other African martial traditions. Other examples include
Donga (stick fighting from Ethiopia) and Engolo (a combat system practiced in
Angola).
·
South Africa: Musangwe, a form of bare-knuckle boxing practiced by the
Venda people, illustrates a longstanding martial tradition in Africa.
Prehistoric Martial Arts
Martial arts origins are often traced back
to the prehistoric era, where humans engaged in combat for survival,
territorial defense, and social organization. Techniques and weapons evolved
based on human anatomy and environmental needs. According to historian David
Rudgley, martial arts from regions like China, Japan, and Mongolia have roots
in common ancestral people who inhabited northern Asia.
Martial Arts in India
Indian martial arts have a rich and
influential history, particularly in the development of martial arts across
Southeast Asia. The ancient texts, such as the Dhanurveda (1700–1100 BC),
contain references to martial techniques and weapons. These techniques spread
through cultural diffusion, particularly with the spread of Buddhism,
influencing martial arts in countries like Thailand (Muay Thai), Laos,
Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Indian martial arts also heavily
influenced the development of other martial systems in Southeast Asia, such as
Silat in Malaysia and Indonesia, and Bando and Banshay in Myanmar and Burma.
Martial Arts in China
Chinese martial arts, also known as Kung
Fu, can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1122–255 BC). Combat training,
including archery, fencing, and wrestling, was common during the Warring States
period. Monasteries like the Shaolin Temple became key centers of martial arts
training. While many myths surround the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu, it is
widely believed that Indian monk Bodhidharma played a significant role in
developing martial arts at the Shaolin Temple, promoting physical training to
support meditation practices.
Martial Arts in Japan
In Japan, martial arts developed from the
warrior class known as the samurai. These combat systems evolved over
centuries, blending martial skill with spiritual and philosophical elements.
Samurai were trained in various weapons, such as the katana, bow, and spear,
and they practiced different styles of unarmed combat. The development of
Japanese martial arts, including Jujutsu, Kendo, and Iaido, helped shape
Japan's military traditions and continues to influence modern martial arts
practices worldwide.
Martial Arts in Korea
Korean martial arts, including Taekkyon
and Ssireum, have ancient roots in the country’s military history. These arts
were used both for practical combat and as part of cultural festivals and
celebrations. During the Joseon Dynasty, the practice of martial arts was
organized into structured systems that combined weapon-based combat with
unarmed techniques.
Martial Arts in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is home to numerous unique
martial arts, each with a distinct history shaped by the region’s diverse
cultures and foreign influences.
·
Indonesia: Pencak Silat, which traces its origins to the Srivijaya
Empire (6th century), is a martial art system that incorporates strikes, joint
locks, and grappling. It was refined over centuries and is still practiced
throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
·
Philippines: Filipino martial arts, including Eskrima and Arnis,
combine techniques from indigenous fighting styles with influences from Spain,
China, and other Southeast Asian regions. These arts emphasize weapon combat
(particularly sticks, knives, and swords) and empty-hand techniques.
·
Vietnam: Vietnamese martial arts, shaped by historical conflicts,
particularly against Chinese influence, evolved unique fighting styles. The
influence of Chinese martial arts is evident, but local techniques were also
developed to suit the region's needs.
Bodhidharma's Influence on Martial Arts
Bodhidharma, a semi-legendary Buddhist
monk from India, is traditionally credited with bringing martial arts to China,
particularly through his association with the Shaolin Temple. Bodhidharma is
said to have taught the monks of Shaolin physical exercises to improve their
health and meditation practice, which led to the development of Shaolin Kung
Fu. While much of the story is shrouded in myth, Bodhidharma's legacy is
undeniable, influencing martial arts traditions in China, Japan, and beyond.
Conclusion
Martial arts have a long and rich history
that reflects the diverse cultures and societies from which they originated.
Over time, these arts have evolved not only as systems of self-defense but also
as cultural expressions, spiritual practices, and means of personal
development. The cross-cultural exchanges of martial arts, from India to China,
Korea to Japan, and across Southeast Asia, have created a vast tapestry of
styles, each contributing to the global appreciation and practice of martial
arts today.
0 Comments