Martial Arts
Martial arts originated in East Asia more than 2,000 years ago and have since grown to about 200 individual types practiced by about 100 million people worldwide. The Web will help you learn about the different martial arts so you can choose which one suits you best; it will assist you in finding instruction in the martial art you choose; it will provide you with forums and community Web sites so you can share your zeal with others on martial arts techniques and movies; and it can be a place to buy the equipment and apparel you need.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe History and Philosophy of Martial Arts
Martial arts are practiced all over the world, and styles vary from region to region. As such, ... read more »
Practicing Martial Arts
Martial arts have become a popular activity for children and adults, and there are martial arts ... read more »
Martial Arts Organizations and Tournaments
Although there is a long list of specialized organizations for each type of martial art, there are some umbrella organizations that attempt to bring all martial arts together under one roof. These associations can give you information about local organizations, tournaments, and news about what is happening in the general world of martial arts.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are many important martial arts organizations in the world, and we included the most prominent ones below. For a more extensive list of general organizations and associations, visit CompleteMartialArts.com.
- Most instructors are aware of upcoming local tournaments. If the sites in this section don’t provide all the information you need about a particular tournament, ask your instructor or consult your local school.
Dulcinea's Picks
For organizations …
The National Association of Professional Martial Artists is the largest organization for professional martial artists in the world. With members in more than 20 countries, the organization seeks to maintain a network of these instructors and further the development of martial arts teaching throughout the world. The site includes an archive of martial arts news and content from NAPMA’s Martial Arts Professional magazine. There’s also information on how NAPMA aids the development of schools and allows for schools to become members online.
The Martial Arts Industry Association is geared toward the community of martial arts teachers, featuring advice on how to promote, improve, and manage their schools. The site has information on becoming a member, a schedule of program seminars, and a store with a large number of books and videos.
The International Martial Arts Council of America (IMAC) considers itself an “open martial arts organization” and aims to advance the appreciation of martial arts worldwide. The site features information on who can join, and includes an online membership application. It also has a quarterly e-magazine and information on its national training camp.
The Martial Arts International Federation is a nonprofit umbrella group that seeks to provide a “global network” of martial arts organizations. The site has a directory of member organizations, a calendar of upcoming events, and a section on martial arts news. The organization is also responsible for creating martial arts standards, and furthering the development of the arts worldwide.
The Sidekick Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk children, the disabled, and the elderly participate in martial arts training. The organization has more than 100 chapters throughout the United States; unfortunately, its list of partners isn’t searchable and you’ll have to scroll through the list. If you don’t find a chapter near you, contact the foundation for more information.
To find tournaments …
SportMartialArts.com was started to bring more attention to the talented athletes who compete in open martial arts tournaments. Use the search feature to find information on open martial arts tournaments or look on the right of the page for “Premiere Events” recommended by the site. You’ll also find loads of news, videos, and photos of the events.
Martial Arts Forums and Blogs
If you have a passion for martial arts, whether as a martial arts student, instructor, or fan, ... read more »
Buying Martial Arts Equipment, Apparel, and Memorabilia
The fact that there are so many different martial arts from an array of countries and cultures ... read more »
Martial Arts Movies
Martial arts movies are a genre unto themselves, popularizing such icons as Bruce Lee, Chuck ... read more »
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