Origin of Martial Arts: Which is the Oldest Form?

Which is the oldest form of Martial Art? I don't think anyone can give an answer for sure because people in ancient times are isolated all over the globe: the Chinese in their Middle Kingdom, the Romans and Greek in Europe etc. Therefore, records in the past will not be that accurate.

I believe martial arts or fighting came about as early as the first humans walked the Earth. Animals and creatures, which were definitely stronger, faster, more vicious, more agile, and more sharp with senses, were the greatest threat to the survival of mankind at that time when there were no weapons or guns. Humans then make use of their brain to craft out stone weapons and wood clubs, later using hunted animal bones as weapons for self-protection.

However, Man realised that weapons alone were not useful against bigger and fiercer creatues, and that it was not always possible for them to stick together in groups to fight off these vicious creatures. Time after time, Man's tribe was attacked, and survivors who were smarter, fitter, and stronger survived by nature selection. These smarter humans were able to learn the hunting style or attack style of each creatures that disturbed their tribe. Slowly, these humans began to stand against these creatures and fight. Those who survived learnt even more from each attempt. They studied about footwork and handwork, how to maximise strike damage, how to take the quickest dodge in the process. Gradually, they developed techniques and conditionings to strengthen their bodies and face these creatures.

Not long later when some greedy, bad humans decided to put their strengths to command over others. That was when humans started to fight against one another, and as time passed by, the sets of fighting skills and techniques were improved. Gradually, distinct sects of martial arts rose as the strong destroyed the weak.

So, back to the question: who has the oldest form?

In my perspective, the oldest recorded martial art is Pankration. It was as early as in the 648 BCE in the early Greek Olympic Games. It had solid evidence of the clearest set of combinations of wresting and boxing at that time, although the Chinese had their form of kickboxing and wrestling in the form of shoubo 手博 between 1766 BCE to 1066 BCE in the Shang Dynasty, the records were not very detailed.

So, since Alexandra the Great invaded India back then, the art of Pankration could have spreaded to India, which could have influenced the Indian martial art, Kalarippayattu. Then, that could link to the Indian Buddhist Monk, Bodhidharma, who visited China and started the Shaolin sect of Kungfu. Chinese Kungfu evolved and soon many exponent went overseas like Japan, and Korea etc to influence the development of Ninjutsu, Okinawa Karate and Taekkyon.

We can see from here, all martial arts might have shared the same creator. Therefore, why the fuss on which martial arts is the best? Just be yourself and train hard in your form. That is the essence of mastering martial arts.

Food for Thought =)