Why the West Lacked Martial Arts Traditions: The Role of Conflict Resolution Systems

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The development of martial arts in the East, compared to their limited evolution in the West, can be attributed to differences in societal structures and conflict resolution systems. In medieval Europe, centralized judicial systems and legal frameworks reduced reliance on personal combat for resolving disputes, shifting the focus from martial traditions to arbitration and dialogue. While duels and feuds existed, they eventually faded as governments prioritized public order.

Western martial training was predominantly tied to military contexts, such as knights honing combat skills for warfare. In contrast, Eastern martial arts developed among civilians, monks, and smaller warrior groups, embedding them into everyday life and spirituality. Philosophies like Taoism and Zen Buddhism shaped martial arts as tools for personal growth, discipline, and enlightenment, while Western Christianity emphasized institutional conflict resolution over physical confrontation.

Technological advancements in the West, particularly firearms, further diminished the need for hand-to-hand combat, turning traditions like fencing into sports. As urbanization and policing expanded, personal combat became less essential in the West, unlike in the East, where martial arts retained cultural and practical significance. Ultimately, the West’s reliance on structured conflict resolution systems and advanced weaponry limited the broader cultural development of martial arts seen in the East.

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