I'm nowhere near a history buff at all, but I wanted to share the link with y'all because I love ya.


Discovering the Origins of Martial Arts: The Dunhuang Caves

According to Shanghai Evening Post, since the 19th century, scholars have paid great attention to, and conducted research on the historical data of the martial arts paintings in China’s famous Dunhuang cave, discovered in 1900, which holds over ten thousand Buddhist scriptures and works of art.

Wang Degong, formerly the vice-president of the Gansu Province Chinese Martial Arts Association, and several other famous martial arts experts in Gansu province believe that the Dunhuang cave paintings give clues to the evolvement of Chinese martial art (continued...)

http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-11-11/24275.html

Thanks for the contribution Piz. I am always hesitant about cave paintings as a source of proof that martial arts existed at a certain period of time. Since it could just as well been a traditional dance painted there. Plus, for all we know, the article may have been written by a person who is trying to promote their art or make it "legitimate"

I've heard that the first traces of MA were in Egypt, in (yes) paintings on tomb walls or something, depicting two people grappling. Of course, it might have just been two guys going at it, you never know. :p

PL

I've heard that the first traces of MA were in Egypt, in (yes) paintings on tomb walls or something, depicting two people grappling. Of course, it might have just been two guys going at it, you never know. :p

PL

yes, indeed.
http://www.youregypt.com/eguide/destinations/upperegypt/menya/banihassan/khety/images/ray_wrestling.jpg
http://www.youregypt.com/eguide/destinations/upperegypt/menya/banihassan/khety/images/ray_tomb.jpg

Yip Man learnt wing chun better than anyone else from those cave paintings.

yes, indeed.
http://www.youregypt.com/eguide/destinations/upperegypt/menya/banihassan/khety/images/ray_wrestling.jpg
http://www.youregypt.com/eguide/destinations/upperegypt/menya/banihassan/khety/images/ray_tomb.jpg

Grappling guide or sex manual...you decide. :3some:

Damn, is that a suplex in that picture!?!?

First row... looks like it? O_o