Although not all martial arts developed from actual warfare, it is true that the origin of many martial arts is rooted in the military traditions of various cultures. They were employed since the earliest civilizations required specialized fighting methods during tribal and later national conflicts.

An example of styles used specifically for warfare is the Japanese samurai that used ju-jitsu on the battlefield. The samurai’s arsenal included “open hand” techniques, as well as swords and other weapons. The military campaigns of the samurai are well recorded.

Taekwondo is an example of a modern style that specifically developed within a military context. Under the guidance of South Korean Major-General Choi Hong-Hi, a group of leading martial art experts came together to unify their respective styles under a single system, named Taekwondo in 1955. Taekwondo was systemized in the 29th Infantry Division of the South Korean army and is still trained by all Korean soldiers. Though it matured within a military environment, Taekwondo is currently practiced mostly as a civilian art and sport, than a military system.

Another modern-day military martial art is the Israeli system, Krav Maga.