Russian martial arts
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Russian martial arts (RMA) is a generic title to describe various traditional and contemporary martial arts with Russian roots.
Historically, Russia's size has made it difficult for official military forces to defend distant areas against relatively small conflicts. It is because of this that local citizen-militia came to be. Small communities needed to defend themselves, and they did so with their own martial traditions. Many different ethnic groups developed their own traditional fighting methods.
Because of its long history and proximity to many different cultures, it is believed that many Russian martial arts have absorbed and combined elements from Chinese martial arts, Japanese martial arts, European martial arts, and even parts of Greco-Roman wrestling. The most famous example is Sambo's Judo influences.
Although there is much cultural influence, there are many notable Russian martial arts (RMA) which are unique, or have elements which are unique. Furthermore, although there are some trends across some Russian martial arts, many of them have evolved in their own individual way.
Russian history has had many significant conflicts, such as the Battle of Kulikovo, when the Russians fought against the Tartars and Mongols (the Golden Horde). Contact with different invaders from all directions is thought to have influenced martial traditions.
When the Communists came to power in 1917, many Russian traditions were suppressed, and the teaching and practice of folk styles was banned during the Soviet Union's existence. However, even during this time many Russian martial arts continued in secret. Since the fall of Communism, different Russian fighting styles have re-emerged through training, competition, and media publicity.
See Category:Russian martial arts for the list of topics.
[edit] In the media
- CTV Travel's Go Warrior: Russia
- "Russian martial arts has a 1000 year old history. We believe that this return to our old roots is a symbol of Russia's revival." -- Yury J. Chaika (The Russian Minister of Justice) -- CTV Travel's Go Warrior: Russia (2004)
