What Was the First Ever Martial Arts?

The history of martial arts stretches back thousands of years, woven into the fabric of ancient civilizations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. But when asking “What was the first ever martial art?” the answer depends on how we define martial arts—whether as organized combat systems, physical self-defense, or even ritualistic or military training. Still, several early systems stand out as contenders for the title of the world’s first martial art.

Prehistoric and Ancient Roots

Combat has existed as long as humans have. Cave paintings in France and Mongolia dating back over 10,000 years depict figures in combat stances, suggesting that early humans practiced rudimentary forms of unarmed or armed fighting. While not “martial arts” in the formal sense, these prehistoric forms laid the foundation for more structured systems.

Kalaripayattu: India’s Ancient Combat System

One of the oldest codified martial arts is Kalaripayattu, believed to have originated in southern India—particularly Kerala—as early as 1,000 BCE. Practitioners of Kalaripayattu trained in strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry, and even healing techniques. It was deeply connected to Hindu temple culture and was later influenced by Ayurveda and yoga practices. Some legends claim that Kalaripayattu inspired Chinese martial arts when Buddhist monk Bodhidharma traveled to China in the 5th or 6th century CE.

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Shuai Jiao: Ancient Chinese Wrestling

In China, Shuai Jiao (traditional Chinese wrestling) traces its roots back to around 2,690 BCE, during the time of the legendary Yellow Emperor. Initially practiced by military forces, it focused on throws, joint locks, and takedowns. Over time, it evolved and became a precursor to later martial arts like Kung Fu.

Pankration: Greece’s Deadly Blend

In ancient Greece, around the 7th century BCE, a martial art called Pankration combined boxing and wrestling with few rules, allowing strikes, holds, and submissions. It was introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 BCE and was considered one of the most dangerous and respected fighting systems of its time. Though Greek in origin, Pankration shows that martial arts were not exclusive to Asia.