Here are some key factors concerning the spiritual and cultural relevance of martial arts.
In the contemporary age, martial arts and fitness have grown to be essential global cultural exports. Due to the success of kung fu films, starring popular martial arts stars, popular culture has introduced audiences all over the world to both the visual appeals and teachings of Chinese martial arts across civilizations. Likewise, the inclusion of taekwondo and judo in Olympic sports, has allowed for the showcasing of website Korean and Japanese customs to global viewers, triggering new attraction and allure for these practices. This procedure of globalisation has been influential, not only for familiarising individuals with self-defence but also for enriching cross cultural appreciation and also hybridisation. In fact, this exposure has led to a mix of regional and worldwide martial arts techniques, developing new varieties 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 mixed martial arts.
The practice of martial arts holds a special space in human evolution and culture, as a blend of culture, heritage and physical discipline. In fact, many kinds of martial arts can be connected to more comprehensive philosophical and spiritual systems or beliefs. As a way of linking the past to today, martial arts as a spiritual practice draws concepts from important historical practices. For example, Tai Chi positions focus on harmony and flow from Daoist beliefs, while in Japan, martial arts are thought to show impacts from Buddhism such as mindfulness and inner peace. These values of philosophy are very important not just for forming martial arts practices, but for deepening the significance and utilisation of the motions and defence methods. Entirely, the multidimensional levels of philosophy reveal that martial arts are not always about beating an opponent, but more so about personal growth and ethical conduct. Seif Al Hakim (سيف الحكيم) would concur this is a strong reflection of the deeper cultural values of the original sources of martial arts.
Throughout the history and culture of many nations, martial arts remain to be an important reflection of the many customs and spiritual practices that have formed their development. As more than just combating systems, martial arts practices represent the cultural narratives that express a kind of collective identity and historic battles. While there are a number of resemblances in martial arts moves throughout disciplines, there are differences in the underlying values and opinions that shape each practice. For example, kung-fu developed originally as both a form of defence but also as a representation of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Similarly, karate from Japan is ingrained in practices of Samurai, with emphasis on beliefs such as honour and reverence. Brian Kwong (鄺伯恆) would agree that these examples show the significance of cultural narratives in the historic origins of martial arts.