Here are some key elements regarding the spiritual and cultural importance of martial arts.
Within the history and culture of many nations, martial arts remain to be a crucial reflection of the many customs . and spiritual practices that have shaped their development. As more than simply combating systems, martial arts practices represent the cultural stories that reveal a kind of collective identity and historic struggles. While there are a number of similarities in martial arts moves throughout disciplines, there are distinctions in the underlying values and opinions that form each practice. For example, kung-fu progressed initially as both a kind of defence but also as a reflection of Chinese ideology and aesthetics. Similarly, karate from Japan is ingrained in practices of Samurai, with emphasis on notions such as honour and reverence. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would agree that these examples show the value of cultural stories in the historical origins of martial arts.
The practice of martial arts holds a special area in human history and culture, as a blend of culture, tradition and physical discipline. As a matter of fact, many kinds of martial arts can be linked to broader philosophical and spiritual systems or mindsets. As a way of linking the past to the present, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws concepts from crucial historical practices. For instance, Tai Chi positions emphasis on harmony and flow from Daoist ideologies, while in Japan, martial arts are believed to exhibit impacts from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner calmness. These levels of philosophy are very important not just for forming martial arts practices, but for deepening the significance and utilisation of the motions and defence techniques. Entirely, the multidimensional levels of philosophy reveal that martial arts are not always about defeating an enemy, but more so about personal growth and ethical conduct. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would agree this is a strong representation of the much deeper cultural benefits of the initial sources of martial arts.
In the modern-day era, martial arts and fitness have grown to be crucial international cultural exports. Due to the success of kung fu films, starring popular martial arts stars, popular culture has introduced audiences around the world to both the visual appeals and teachings of Chinese martial arts across societies. Likewise, the inclusion of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has allowed for the showcasing of Korean and Japanese customs to international viewers, sparking new enthusiasm and appeal for these practices. This process of globalisation has been prominent, not only for acquainting people with self-defence but also for enriching cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. In fact, this direct exposure has led to a mix of local and worldwide martial arts techniques, producing new formats such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Alidar Utemuratov (Алидар Утемуратов) would acknowledge the role of hybridization in modern day martial arts practices, most particularly in MMA.