Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for
variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well
as mental and spiritual development.

The term martial art has become heavily associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia,
but was originally used in regard to the combat systems of Europe as early as the 1550s.
English fencing manual of 1639 used the term in reference specifically to
the "Science and Art" of swordplay. The term is ultimately derived from Latin,
martial arts being the "Arts of Mars," the Roman god of war.