Martial Arts in America have grown into an open, diverse and fascinating art that has become as common as fast food restaurants with a school on just about every corner. This author is not writing this article to hype one form of Martial Arts over another it is to show that Martial Arts under whatever name or philosophy has anchored itself in the psyche of the American population.
Martial Arts in America have grown into an open, diverse and fascinating art that has become as common as fast food restaurants with a school on just about every corner. This author is not writing this article to hype one form of Martial Arts over another it is to show that Martial Arts under whatever name or philosophy has anchored itself in the psyche of the American population. The starting point of the Martial arts craze in the United States began in the early 70’s and continued to grow throughout the 80’s and 90’s. As we enter the infancy of the 21st Century the popularity of Martial Arts continues to grow and fascinate young and old. Various adaptations and thought to be lost styles have been open to the American society and their names are as common as the stars in the movies that made them popular. For instance Bruce Lee had his Kung Fu and Chuck Norris has his Karate. Whatever styles exist today were introduced to the American people and with a fury adopted as their own.
The fan fare of the martial arts movement in America was started by the motion picture and television industry in the early 1970’s. With the emergence of legendary martial arts experts able to align themselves with the entertainment elite the martial arts craze in America was born. Many people study martial arts today for varied reasons. There are ones who do it to boost their own egos and there are others who cherish the opportunity to learn and experience new cultures and develop spiritual enlightenment.
The history of martial arts, including Kung Fu and Karate, have been passed from teacher to student as an oral history rather than through written documentation, making it difficult to confirm or clarify the differing accounts of various Martial Arts. The lack of written records was caused by the Asian elites fear of allowing the common people to gain the knowledge that would create a more independent person not willing to accept authoritarian rule.
In 1973 the most well known Martial Arts movie was released, in this author’s opinion, “Enter the Dragon” staring Bruce Lee brought Kung Fu into twentieth century America with a bang. American’s are people who love to learn and experience all of what the world has to offer and because of this, teachers of the martial arts opened their doors that were once closed for thousands of years allowing everyone the opportunity to experience this once mystical art.
Martial arts continued to grow and gain acceptance by the old guard of Martial Artists and the open society of the United States. In the 1980’s more visual art forms became popular in the movies and in the communities around the nation. For instance in 1980’s the Ninja craze hit the big screen with movies like “Enter the Ninja” starring Sho Kosugi as the Black Ninja who is credited with launching “Ninja Mania” (McNeil,1987).
For instance, the 21st century brought us the Martial Arts epics. These epics showed the viewer that even though the world has its up and downs, its ebbs and flows that love, prosperity and hope still live within the fabric of our lives.
In the 90’s new faces brought more awareness of Martial Arts into the mainstream of the American culture. Movies such as “Marked for Death” (1990) starring Steven Segal and “Double Impact” (1991) starring Jean Claude Van Damme proved that Martial Arts is still alive and well, flourishing in the United States. As with more than a few Martial arts films before these artist most styles seem to be very flashy with flying kicks and boisterous analog which help increase sales at the ticket both. But in the 90’s more focus was put on the discipline itself and how it is more common to see short, quick, intense powerful moves that end most conflicts quickly.
As American society enters the 21st Century the world is more chaotic and martial arts has offered an avenue to help deal with the frustrations of life and the thoughts of eminent doom that seems to clog the media headlines. The destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City in 2001 and the hatred of the openness of the American society have garnered a new attitude towards spirituality. The spiritual essence and its relationship to many styles have continued to develop its popularity with the American population.
For instance, the 21st century brought us the Martial Arts epics. These epics showed the viewer that even though the world has its up and downs, its ebbs and flows that love, prosperity and hope still live within the fabric of our lives. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2001) gives the message that we should be true to one’s self. The “Hero” (2002) sets out to unify the world thus leading to peace and harmony.
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Throughout the last 40 years the media has helped Martial Arts thrive and regardless of its intentions good, bad or indifferent have helped to create the phenomenon that exist today. The 70’s introduced the American people to the martial arts and in the 80’s and 90’s the fascination continued to grow. The movie and television industry help to create the martial art craze that is enjoyed by many today. The classic movies that introduced Martial Arts in America and the growth of the Martial Arts industry have shown that Martial Arts are “alive and kicking” in America.
Philosophy and Opinion 
Martial Arts in America have grown into an open, diverse and fascinating art that has become as common as fast food restaurants with a school on just about every corner. This author is not writing this article to hype one form of Martial Arts over another it is to show that Martial Arts under whatever name or philosophy has anchored itself in the psyche of the American population. 
introduced to the American people and with a fury adopted as their own. 
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