Most historians believe that the martial arts originated from an Indian Zen Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (448-529 AD), who wanted to teach his student better focus through physical exercise. These movements, similar to Yoga-postures, evolved into means of self-defense. Since Buddhism originated in India, it is thought that it may have originated in India.

Searching for the origin of the martial arts one ought not forget about the boxing in Egypt in c. 4000 BC., the martial arts of Babylonia in...