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IntroductionMartial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural heritageAlthough the term martial art has become associated with the fighting arts of East Asia, it originally referred to the combat systems of Europe as early as the 1550s. The term is derived from Latin and means "arts of Mars", the Roman god of war. Some authors have argued that fighting arts or fighting systems would be more appropriate on the basis that many martial arts were never "martial" in the sense of being used or created by professional warriors.The martial art of boxing was practiced in ancient Thera. Variation and scopeMartial arts may be categorized using a variety of criteria, including: -Traditional/historical arts vs. contemporary styles: e.g., folk wrestling compared to modern hybrid martial arts.-Techniques taught: armed vs. unarmed, and within these categoriesoarmed: by type of weapon (swordsmanship, stick fighting etc.)ounarmed: by type of combat (grappling vs. striking, stand-up fighting vs. ground fighting)-By application or intent: self-defense, combat sport, choreography or demonstration of forms, physical fitness, meditation, etc. By technical focusUnarmedUnarmed martial arts can be broadly grouped into those focusing on strikes, those focusing on grappling, and those that cover both fields, often described as hybrid martial arts.Strikes-Punching: Boxing, Wing Chun, Karate-Kicking: Taekwondo, Capoeira, Savate-Others using strikes: Lethwei, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Pencak Silat, KalaripayattuGrappling-Throwing: Hapkido, Judo, Sumo, Wrestling, Aikido-Joint lock/Chokeholds/Submission holds: Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Sambo, Kung Fu-Pinning Techniques: Judo, Wrestling, AikidoArmedThe traditional martial arts that cover armed combat often encompa