HISTORY

Martial Arts History and Systems

The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. One can see signs of martial arts in Egyptian, Greek, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures.

The first fighting systems on earth probably evolved alongside humans because mankind must have always had a need to defend himself against animals, as well as against his fellow man. Ancient murals and sculptures show fighting poses from Egypt, India and Babylon dating from as far back as 5,000 years ago.


The martial arts as we know them probably did not evolve until systems of offensive and defensive skills were devised in or imported into China. There, in a country saturated with the spiritual teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, these fighting skills were combined with intangible elements such as compassion, discipline and self-control.

Martial arts are thought to have originated in India and made their way through China and across the rest of Asia. Folklore recounts mythical creatures called Tengu who practiced martial arts and passed them on to humans.

Founders of martial arts who wanted to give their methods the aura of legitimacy would often claim that the Tengu had taught them the art. Legend says that Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who brought Zen to China from India, also brought the martial arts. There is a clear path leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists alike.

Through various periods in history when weapons were outlawed, the martial arts prospered as the only means for a person to defend himself and his family. But even as more civilized times descended upon humanity, the arts survived. They managed to outlive their violent origins primarily because they teach man much more than fighting. The true martial arts stress character development, discipline and respect. Self-defense, physical fitness and competition are some of the other benefits which modern practitioners enjoy. The fact that the martial arts have had a chance to evolve into many different styles has allowed it to endure for so many centuries.

RDT System (Realistic Defensive Tactics)

The RDT System (Realistic Defensive Tactics) was designed by Mr.Hernandez (Copy Writed by Gary Hernandez Martial Arts LLC)for the everyday person. This system is for men and women of all ages and sizes. This system is total self-defense as there are no katas or high kicks. The person uses their hands, fingers, elbows, feet, knees, and anything they have with them as a weapon (for example: keys, knife, stick, comb, belt, shoes, anything). You are not only learning how to hit someone but also where to hit them. This is Realistic Defensive Tactics not a sparring class.

Canemaster (Cane-Fu) System

The Cane Masters (Cane-Fu) program designed by Grandmaster Mark Shuey teaches you how to use the cane in self-defense the cane can go any were you do it is a legal self-defense tool or weapon.The cane is more than just a crutch! Self Defense, Exercise, Rehabilitation and mobility all from one cane, as seen on CNN, CBS Early Show, and Fox National News,And on PBS who filmed here at Gary Hernandez Martial Arts

Superfoot System

Bill "Superfoot" Wallace is one the greatest and most recognized martial artists in the world. We are one of about 30 schools nationwide that qualify for the "Superfoot" Systems. Mr. Wallace, personally certifies our Black Belts in the "Superfoot" System as well signing Black Belt certificates. The Superfoot System is integrated into our classical Martial Arts system. These tested techniques from a Karate legend are in the in the classical system to give you the most well-rounded martial arts system anywhere and help work on speed and Flexibility for students of any age. Here at Gary Hernandez Martial Arts we are a fighting school.