Karate: Orange Belt Martial Arts History
As we work our way from Yellow Belt to Orange Belt we are given some more things to learn. This time more about martial arts in general. Here are some of the things learned.
Where are the oldest written forms of unarmed combat?
The earliest written records detailing unarmed combat techniques originate from ancient civilizations: 
- India: The Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, composed around the 5th century BCE, contains descriptions of martial arts, including unarmed combat techniques.
- Europe: The Oxyrhynchus Papyrus III 466, a fragmentary Greek manuscript from the 2nd century CE, provides instructions on wrestling techniques, including various grips and holds, making it one of the earliest European martial arts manuals. 
Additionally, visual representations of unarmed combat predate these texts. Murals in the tombs of Beni Hasan, Egypt, dating back to approximately 2000 BCE, depict wrestling techniques, indicating the practice’s antiquity. 
These early records highlight the longstanding significance of unarmed combat across various cultures.
Kung Fu
“Kung Fu” is a term that, in the context of martial arts, refers to Chinese martial arts. However, the term has broader meanings as well. In Chinese, “kung fu” (功夫, gōngfu) can refer to any skill achieved through hard work and practice, not limited to martial arts. 
Another term commonly used to describe Chinese martial arts is “wushu” (武术, wǔshù), which literally means “martial arts.” In modern contexts, “wushu” often refers to a contemporary sport that combines elements of traditional Chinese martial arts with performance and competition aspects. 
Additionally, “quanfa” (拳法, quánfǎ), meaning “fist method” or “the law of the fist,” is another term associated with Chinese martial arts. This term emphasizes the unarmed combat techniques within the broader spectrum of Chinese martial practices. 
The term “Chinese temple boxing” is occasionally used to describe certain traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly those associated with monastic institutions like the Shaolin Temple. This expression highlights the historical connection between martial arts practices and Buddhist temples in China. For instance, the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province is renowned for its significant role in the development and dissemination of various martial arts styles, often collectively referred to as Shaolin Kung Fu.
While “Chinese temple boxing” is not a widely prevalent term, it underscores the deep-rooted relationship between Chinese martial arts and religious temples, where many martial techniques were historically cultivated and preserved.
Judo
The term “judo” is derived from two Japanese characters: “ju” (柔), meaning “gentle,” and “do” (道), meaning “way” or “path.” Therefore, “judo” translates to “gentle way.” This name reflects the martial art’s philosophy of using an opponent’s force against them, emphasizing technique and balance over brute strength.
Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano in Tokyo, Japan. Kano, who had extensively studied traditional jujutsu, sought to create a martial art that emphasized not only physical prowess but also mental and moral development. To achieve this, he synthesized techniques from various jujutsu schools, notably Tenjin Shinyo-ryu and Kito-ryu, and established a new discipline focused on the principle of “maximum efficiency with minimum effort.” This approach emphasized using an opponent’s force against them, rather than relying solely on one’s own strength.   
Kano named this new martial art judo, meaning “gentle way,” to reflect its emphasis on technique and strategy over brute strength. He established the Kodokan in Tokyo as the central institute for teaching and promoting judo. The Kodokan served as both a training hall and a center for the study and refinement of judo techniques and philosophy.
By removing the more dangerous techniques found in traditional jujutsu, such as strikes and weapon defenses, Kano made judo safer for practice and competition. This adaptation facilitated its adoption as a sport and educational tool, leading to its inclusion in school curricula and, eventually, its recognition as an Olympic sport in 1964.
Aikido
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art whose name is composed of three kanji characters: 
- 合 (Ai): harmony or unifying 
- 気 (Ki): spirit, energy, or life force 
- 道 (Dō): way or path 
Together, “aikido” translates to “the way of harmonizing with energy” or “the way of unifying spirit.” This reflects the art’s philosophy of blending with an opponent’s movements to neutralize aggression without causing harm. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century, aikido emphasizes self-defense techniques that protect both the practitioner and the attacker, embodying principles of peace and reconciliation.
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), known as O-Sensei (“Great Teacher”). Ueshiba’s martial arts journey began with training in various traditional disciplines, including Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, kenjutsu (swordsmanship), and jōjutsu (staff techniques). His exposure to these arts, combined with his spiritual studies, particularly his involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religion, profoundly influenced his development of aikido.
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do (截拳道), often abbreviated as JKD, translates from Cantonese to “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.” This martial art philosophy was developed by Bruce Lee in 1967. The name reflects the core principle of intercepting an opponent’s attack with decisive counter-movements.
Sparring Safety Gear
The development of sparring safety gear in martial arts has evolved over time, with significant contributions from various innovators:
- Jack Dempsey (1917): The renowned American boxer invented boxing headgear in 1917, aiming to protect fighters during training and reduce facial injuries. 
- Jhoon Rhee (1973): Known as the “Father of American Taekwondo,” Rhee introduced the “Safe-T” equipment in 1973. His gear, made from foam, included hand and foot protectors designed to minimize injuries during sparring sessions. This innovation significantly influenced martial arts training by making it safer and more accessible. 
- Bruce Lee (1967): While not the inventor of sparring gear, Bruce Lee was ahead of his time in utilizing protective equipment during full-contact sparring sessions. He incorporated headgear with face cages, chest protectors, gloves, and shin protection to allow for more realistic and safer training. 
- Georg F. Brueckner (1970s): A German martial artist, Brueckner invented the “Top Ten” equipment, utilizing highly flexible polyurethane padding for head, foot, and hand protectors. His designs were adopted in various combat sports, including kickboxing and amateur boxing, and were even used in the Olympic Games from 1992 to 2000. 
These developments have collectively enhanced safety in martial arts, allowing practitioners to train more effectively while minimizing the risk of injury.
Notable contributor
Mike Dillard is the founder and CEO of Century Martial Arts, established in 1976. Beginning as a one-person operation in his garage, Dillard expanded Century into a leading global supplier of martial arts equipment. His martial arts journey commenced in 1969, and by 1972, he secured his first championship at Allen Stein’s US OPEN. Throughout his competitive career, Dillard participated in over 300 tournaments, including serving as the captain of the US Team versus the USSR in 1991, where he was the sole member to win all his matches. Beyond competition, he performed stunt work for Chuck Norris over two decades and holds advanced black belt ranks in multiple martial arts disciplines.   
Under Dillard’s leadership, Century Martial Arts has been responsible for significant innovations in the industry, such as the development of the Wavemaster®, the original freestanding training bag, and the BOB (Body Opponent Bag), both of which have become iconic training tools. 
Dillard also founded the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) to support martial arts schools and promote the growth of martial arts.