Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practices, which are practiced for a variety of reasons: as self-defense, military and law enforcement applications; as competition, physical fitness, mental and spiritual development; as well as entertainment and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural heritage.
Although the term martial art has become associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia, it originally referred to the combat systems of Europe as early as the 1550s. The term is derived from Latin, and means "arts of Mars", the Roman god of war. Some authors have argued that fighting arts or fighting systems would be more appropriate on the basis that many martial arts were never "martial" in the sense of being used or created by professional warriors.

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  1. NWMA

    Pistol Ground Fighting - Feb 8-9, Woodinville, WA

    This course is for those who wish to develop skill and confidence in violent situations when you have been knocked to the ground. Learn how to avoid/mitigate damage, ground mobility, retain and access your pistol, and how to prevail when you're way behind the curve. Whether you have no martial...
  2. I

    Krav Maga in Westside PDX

    Portland's Krav Maga Self-Defense and Fitness is opening a new west side location in Tigard (across from Oregon Rifleworks). Grand opening is Saturday June 1st with free classes and membership specials. This is great self-defense training and exercise from certified (Krav Maga Worldwide)...
  3. I

    Krav Maga in Pdx (Free Class)

    I fell in love with Portland Krav Maga Self-Defense and Fitness after taking my granddaughter to a couple of their Women's Defense Seminars. I was so impressed that I started taking regular classes there myself. Right now they're offering a free trial class at this link: Free Trial Classes...
  4. SnapShot

    Martial Arts Training

    Hello. I've been a long time practitioner of various forms of weapons based martial arts. Kali, Escrima, Modern Arnis, along with some other internal arts i.e. Tai Chi. I've been wanting to train again, been out of the loop for over a year now, I put up an add on Craigslist a while ago...
  5. Oregon Rob

    Hand to hand street fighting training?

    Just wondering what the best hand to hand training would be? Lot’s of martial arts studios around, Krav sounds good but I’m way on the west side (Banks/Hillsboro area) and want to learn something that would be useful, real world defense tactics. Any suggestions?
  6. Joe13

    Fighter or Scrapper?

    Been watching this guys videos lately and am fairly impressed with his attitude and no BS presentation. He is an Aussie with a foul mouth (not a lot but I know some of use is sensitive) and tells it how he sees it. Works very well with my fighting style preferences but may not be for everyone.
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