Some one, at some time, must have done some type of martial arts family tree. It would be interesting to see the development and common “ancestors” many of today’s arts have in common and which ones developed totally on their own in isolation. Anyone have any info on such a thing?
This seems this is a “loaded” question to some people.
I’m not interested in individual teachers or which art is better, I just think it is interesting to know (for example) that Brazilian jiu-jitsu developed from Judo, which developed from Japanese or traditional Jiu-jitsu. Isn’t Aikido part of that “family tree” as well? Was it a modification of ancient sumo?
Or that most Karate has some history from China. Does TKD have a common ancestor in China. When did all the Karate “ryu”s break off into their own styles Etc?
I thought it would be interesting to be able to see all these arts in a “family tree” and see which have common ties and where things changed, where combined or evolved. No one has ever done something like a family tree for all these arts? I think it would be fascinating.
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They’re quite interesting.. like how many Shorinryu guys claim Tatsuo Shimabuku as a teacher, (Tatsuo created Isshinryu, and his students do Sanchin) or Ou Aragaki’s many students, none of which founded a direct style off his teachins, but many who studied Seisan and possibly Arhat boxing from him. Or the Effect of Jigoro Kano’s travelling across the world. Or Choki Motobu.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Soo
I am just one of a million. All from 1 person coming from China here to teach. Pretty cool.
Many kung fu schools pride themselves in their lineage. Many will trace their lineage back to their respective founders. It gives a measure of legitimacy and “authority”. Many schools can’t even do the same because the style or art they teach might not go back that far.
Tiki D had a good point.
Most martial arts were developed by a group of people that needed to defend themselves. Such as, Capoiera, it was invented by slaves to defend themselves, and they made it look like a dance so their masters didn’t know what it was.
A lot of styles of martial arts have diminished over the years or become obselete. Thats why its important to teach all the people we can, if teachers don’t teach, one generation later the knowledge is dead. Some martial arts have had to “evolve” over the years to meet the demands of the world, since other martial arts are being developed.
If you look at wikipedia you can find the general history of most martial arts.
Why is lineage so important? Just because some old guy did it does it make it good or even legitimate?
If I could trace my lineage back to Charlemagne would that make me anyone?
If you’re a fan of lineage you must be a fan of Prince Charles over there in England.
Its an interesting thing, and if you have spare time im sure you could do it through wikipidea, starting at the most modern arts and working backwards, im sure there is a martial art historian or martial art history book out there, try amazon