The History of Fighting

An illustration of James Figg, the first champion in modern pugilism history and an influential ambassador to the sport. His reign lasted from 1719 – 1730 when he retired undefeated after just under 300 fights. As a former fencer, he was able to bring new types of movement and technique to the art of boxing and after he quit the ring, he set up the world’s first boxing school to teach others.

A mural found at the Shaolin Temple in the province Henan, China that is believed to be around 500 years old.

Grandmaster Yip Man performing Siu Lim Tao, a basic form from Wing Chun.

Title:  San Salvador

Date:  1835

Artist:  Johann Moritz Rugendas

Infomation:  Illustration by German artist Johann Moritz Rugendas, inspired by his time on an expedition to Brazil.

An old sketch of Mestre Besouro Manganga fighting against a group of Brazilian police.

Title:  koshiate
Date:  1735
Artist:  Hayakawa Kyuukei
Info:  This woodblock from the Edo period depicts a series of Japanese samurai swords on their koshiate
(Sword Hangers) and is from a Japanese book on samurai armour called Tanki Yoriaku: Hi Ko Ben

This video is a demonstration of stick fighting from Kalarippayattu, an ancient Indian martial art that is said
to be over 3,000 years old and the ‘mother of all martial arts’.

Title:  The Boxing Boys

Date:  c. 1600 B.C.E.

Artist:  Unknown

Date:  c. 1600 B.C.E.

Infomation:  This fresco from Thera (modern-day Santorini in Greece) depicts two Minoan
boys engaged in boxing and is the earliest image depicting the use of boxing gloves.