The martial arts have been practiced in various forms in different Oriental countries for centuries. Across Asia, people have been engaged in the martial arts both for means of self defense as well as for self discipline. Beginning with World War II, the martial arts became more prevalent in other countries across the globe.

There were a wide range of reasons why the martial arts began to see a more significant expansion during World War II. These reasons differed from country to country as the martial arts took root across the globe during World War II.

For example, throughout Europe the forces of Nazi Germany literally were marching across the borders from country to country. Hitler's forces literally were marching down the cities and towns of once free countries throughout Europe. Those countries that actually managed to avoid occupation by Germanic forces during the early years of World War II nevertheless had actual reasons to worry about Nazi invasions. Indeed, early in World War II, Germany ended up controlling a significant portion of Europe and had moved its forces into Africa as well.

As a result of the very real fear that the Nazis would invade the once free countries in Europe, governmental authorities encouraged the civilian population to take up self defense training. The men -- and not a few women -- who were involved in teaching self defense found that the martial arts were ideal to be utilized in an overall civilian defense program.

In addition to the civilian population being versed in self defense and the martial arts during the course of World War II, the members of the armed forces also began to be instructed in the martial arts. Arising out of concerns that the trench warfare of the First World War were to be repeated during World War II, the leaders of the armed services of the Allied (and Axis) nations determine that instruction in hand to hand combat and the martial arts was vital.

Not only were European members of the armed forces being trained in the martial arts during World War II, the military of the United States was also being trained and instructed in the martial arts. The motivation of the armed forces in the United States being trained in the martial arts arose from a concern that there would be a repetition of the trench warfare of the First World War. Hence, extensive training in hand to hand combat was included within basic training, including a course in the martial arts.

The civilian population was also trained in the martial arts in the United States, following the attack by Imperial Japan on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. American citizens and their leaders became well concerned that the forces of Japan actually could end up landing on the shores of the United States. (Indeed, the government of the United States was so concerned about this prospect that in addition to training citizens in hand to hand combat and the martial arts, the United States government went to extraordinary lengths to increase security around the country.)

With the foundations in involvement in the martial arts that occurred during World War II, the martial arts have become widely practiced by people of all ages in the United States, European nations and other non-Asian countries the world over. Most experts believe that even more people will become involved in the martial arts well into the future.

About the Author

Jake Ross is a world renowned author, researcher, and student of the martial arts, Western hand to hand combat, and military fighting skills of the 19th to 21st Centuries. More of his writings are available at www.combatclassics.com

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