What are Traditional Martial Arts?

[chris davis 200]

Ok here goes.

The definition of Traditional Martial arts varies depending upon the country of origin.

Japan = Koryu or 'old schools' are those that have a provable lineage originating before the meiji restoration in the late 1800's.

So this does not include aikido Or Judo. Many Karate styles 'founded' after this period are also not TMA's in the definition of Koryu.

China = Chinese TMA's are generally considered to be Traditional if they have an unbroken lineage from originator to current head of more that 100 years. Although generally arts considered to be founded before 1900 are classed as Traditional - those after this period are considered to be modern variants.

Now other countries of origin have there own rules.

TMA's cannot be defined by the style of training or the style of fighting involved in that art. It makes no sense to make this generalization.

Variants and amalgamation styles claiming to be TMA's that do not have lineage scrolls or a provable lineage to the originator are not TMS's - they are modern arts or McDojo's.

So, i am sure you all have your opinions on what TMS's are - the above are definitions supplied by the top MA organizations in Japan and China.

cheers
Chris