In today’s world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and combat sports, modern techniques often dominate the spotlight. Yet, ancient martial arts, practiced for centuries, hold a treasure trove of forgotten skills, combat philosophies, and self-defense strategies. Many of these historical methods are overshadowed by trends in modern combat but could offer unique advantages in both competition and real-world scenarios.
This article explores some of the most fascinating, yet forgotten, ancient martial arts techniques, revealing how their rediscovery could enhance modern-day fighters' versatility and effectiveness.
From the stealthy warriors of ninjutsu to the mystic traditions of kalaripayattu, let’s take a journey back in time to unlock hidden secrets of combat.
The Forgotten Legacy of Ancient Martial Arts
1. Kalaripayattu: The Mother of All Martial Arts
Originating from South India, Kalaripayattu is considered one of the oldest martial arts systems in the world, dating back more than 3,000 years. Known for its graceful movements, Kalaripayattu combines strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry. The agility and flexibility training, along with breathing exercises, make practitioners highly adaptive.
Lost Techniques: Weaponry skills with urumi (flexible sword) and concealed strikes.
Modern Use: Enhances flexibility, rapid strikes, and unconventional weapons training, perfect for close combat situations.
2. Pankration: The Ancient Greek MMA
Dating back to 648 BCE, Pankration was a no-holds-barred form of combat that combined elements of boxing and wrestling. Fighters used a variety of striking, grappling, and joint-lock techniques to subdue opponents, making it one of the earliest precursors to MMA.
Lost Techniques: Brutal submissions and ground control techniques, including joint manipulation.
Modern Use: These grappling methods can be reincorporated into BJJ or MMA for more dynamic ground fighting.
3. Ninjutsu: The Art of Stealth and Deception
The ninja were Japan’s covert warriors, specializing in espionage, guerrilla tactics, and stealth. While often romanticized, Ninjutsu focused heavily on unconventional warfare, surprise attacks, and psychological manipulation.
Lost Techniques: Stealth techniques, distraction methods, and the use of small concealed weapons.
Modern Use: Some principles of Ninjutsu, such as evasion and misdirection, can be adapted into self-defense strategies and modern military tactics.
4. Bokator: Cambodia’s Ancient Combat Art
Bokator is an ancient Cambodian martial art dating back more than 1,000 years. Known for its comprehensive use of weapons, joint locks, and animal-based movements, it was designed to disable opponents with minimal effort.
Lost Techniques: Movements mimicking animal attacks, incorporating strikes from unusual angles.
Modern Use: The animal-based movement patterns can improve agility and unpredictability, making it hard for opponents to anticipate attacks.
5. Taekkyeon: Korea’s Ancient Dance of Combat
Before the emergence of Taekwondo, Taekkyeon was Korea’s traditional martial art, blending fluid, dance-like movements with powerful kicks. It involves using both hands and feet in circular movements to evade attacks and strike opponents.
Lost Techniques: Evading strikes with circular footwork and seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack.
Modern Use: This style can be blended with kickboxing or other striking disciplines to improve defensive strategies.
Why Modern Fighters Should Rediscover Ancient Techniques
Many ancient martial arts focused not just on physical combat but also on mental discipline, philosophy, and survival.
Rediscovering these forgotten techniques could provide modern fighters with a new edge:
Unconventional Approaches: Ancient martial arts often utilized strategies that are unconventional by today’s standards. This unpredictability can give fighters an advantage in combat, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate their moves.
Holistic Development: Ancient martial arts placed a strong emphasis on mental and spiritual growth. Practices such as meditation, breath control, and energy manipulation (e.g., Qi Gong from Chinese martial arts) can enhance focus, stamina, and recovery in modern athletes.
Real-World Self-Defense: While modern combat sports focus on competition, many ancient techniques were designed for real-world survival. From dealing with multiple attackers to using environmental weapons, these arts provide practical self-defense skills that are invaluable in non-sport situations.
Modern martial arts, while effective, can benefit greatly from the rediscovery of ancient techniques. The lost arts discussed above are just a few examples of how the past can offer innovative solutions to contemporary combat. By studying ancient martial arts forms, today’s fighters can expand their skill sets, gain a mental edge, and become more versatile in their approach to both sport and self-defense.