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AssetID: medfr01006 / {Medioimages/Photodisc} / Woman performing martial arts Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat that are practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense , competition , physical health and fitness, as well as mental, physical 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. An 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. Some martial arts are considered 'traditional' and tied to an ethnic, cultural or religious background, while others are modern systems developed either by a founder or an association. This page is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, anyone associated with the topic.