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What is the history of martial arts?
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The history of martial arts dates back to ancient times, with various cultures developing different styles of combat and self-defense systems. In Asia, the martial arts that most people are familiar with originated in China, India and Japan. Chinese martial arts, known collectively as kung fu, are believed to have begun in the 5th or 6th century BC. Some of the most well-known styles include t'ai chi, wing chun and jeet kune do. India also has a rich martial arts tradition, with the early forms of kalaripayattu originating in the region. At the same time, in Japan, various fighting styles began to emerge, including karate and judo. Since then, many other forms of martial arts have been created, incorporating a combination of techniques and principles from different cultures all over the world.