The range and diversity of martial arts is enormous. They stem from the first history of combative conflict to the last attempts at peace. Martial arts have been with mankind from the earliest days. They have been studied, researched, practiced, perfected, communicated, and transferred from person to person. With them, people have saved lives, taken lives, protected, exploited, found their demise, and found their enlightenment.

The ultimate goals of martial arts include survival of people, families, cultures, nations, and mankind. Another goal is preparation for the challenges in life that are current, imminent, or inevitable. A far too often overlooked goal of martial arts is enlightenment of the individual human being, and a true appreciation for the sanctity of life. There will always be someone in a better position to have a superior outcome in every situation.

Focusing on the concept of winning by defeating is not the true or ultimate goal of enlightened martial arts. Winning by teaching allows both sides to benefit. Teaching teachers is even more progressive. Martial arts lessons are often hard to learn or harsh, but often necessary for development, survival, and ultimate enlightenment of people, families, cultures, nations, and mankind.