Historical Importance
Conflict, as a concept, has existed as long as humans have. It isn’t until civilization became more regulated and central that combat became part of cultural significance. When this idea started out, these sports were part of simulations of real combat, as during non-war times, the population had to stay disciplined and high in skill.
- 708 BC, wrestling is added to the olympic games in ancient Greece, before only consisting of running sports. Boxing then follows in 688 BC, then Pankration (a violent sport involving a mix of both.)
- 500 BC , malla-yuddha began widespread practice, as an Indian form of combat sport, involving wrestling, striking, and limb breaking.
- 5th-15th Century AD, European countries develop the Tournament, an amalgamation of multiple combat events, such as jousting and swordfighting.
- Early 1900s, We see a splintering of these sports into very specific sports that are followed today, such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Vale Tudo.
- 2000, The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts was created, starting a practice of pitting each combat sport against each other. This is following the success of the United Fighting Championship.