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Martial arts are the systemized practices and traditions of training people to engage in combat. Martial arts have been present in some form in almost every nation and culture since before recorded history. Virtually all martial arts share a common original intent; developing the ability to defeat one’s enemies in a conflict, either armed or unarmed.

Many martial arts are still practiced today. Some retain their focus on the ancient techniques of war, others have incorporated modern modifications for the practice of self defense for civilians, and still others have evolved into international competive sports and Olympic events.

Martial arts, historically and today, place a wide variety of emphases on morality, spirituality, philosophy, or religion. Very often also, some kind of enlightenment, or at the very least personal self-improvement, are a core goal in the practice of many martial arts.
Martial arts vary widely, and may focus on a specific area or combination of areas, but they can be broadly grouped into focusing on strikes, grappling, or weapons training. Below is a list of examples that make extensive use of one these areas; it is not an exhaustive list of all arts covering the area, nor are these necessarily the only areas covered by the art but are the focus or best known part as examples of the area: Striking, Punching - Boxing (Western), Wing Chun, Kicking - Capoeira, Savate, Taekwondo, Other strikes (e.g. Elbows, knees, open-hand) - Muay Thai, Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu, Grappling: Throwing - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo, Shuai jiao, Joint lock - Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, Pinning Techniques - Judo, Wrestling,

Weaponry: Traditional Weaponry - Fencing, Gatka, Kendo, Silambam, Kali. Modern Weaponry - Eskrima, Jogo do Pau, Jukendo. Many martial arts, especially those from Asia, also teach side disciplines which pertain to medicinal practices. This is particularly prevalent in traditional Chinese martial arts which may teach bone-setting, qigong, acupuncture, acupressure (tui na), and other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.

Martial arts are commonly associated with East Asian cultures, but are by no means unique to Asia. Throughout Europe there was an extensive system of combat martial arts, collectively referred to as Historical European martial arts, that existed until modern times and is now being reconstructed by several organizations while Savate is a French kicking style developed by sailors and street fighters. In the Americas Native Americans have a tradition of open-handed martial arts, that includes wrestling and Hawaiians have historically practiced arts featuring small and large joint manipulation, a mix of origins occur in the athletic movements of Capoeira that was created in Brazil by slaves, based on skills brought with them from Africa.

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