Martial Arts Timeline: Key Moments
A sports history of martial arts, from ancient grappling to modern Olympic events.
Jigoro Kano as a school director: Unknown author, Public domain
- Ancient times
Wrestling everywhere
Wrestling appears in art from Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece.
- 1867
Queensberry Rules
Modern boxing rules introduce gloves and three-minute rounds.
- 1882
Kodokan judo
Jigoro Kano opens the Kodokan in Tokyo.
- 1896
Greco-Roman at the Olympics
Wrestling at the first modern Games.
- 1904
Olympic boxing and freestyle
Both join the Olympic programme.
- 1922
Karate goes to mainland Japan
Gichin Funakoshi demonstrates Okinawan karate in Tokyo.
- 1942
Aikido named
Morihei Ueshiba's art is officially called aikido.
- 1951
Gracie vs Kimura
Helio Gracie faces Masahiko Kimura in Rio.
- 1964
Judo at Tokyo 1964
Judo debuts at the Olympics.
- 1967
Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee founds his own approach.
- 1993
UFC 1 and K-1
The first UFC in Denver; K-1 launches in Japan.
- 2000
Taekwondo at Sydney
Taekwondo becomes a full Olympic sport.
- 2004
Women's Olympic wrestling
Women's freestyle debuts in Athens.
- 2012
Women's Olympic boxing
Debuts in London.
- 2018
Pencak silat at the Asian Games
Debut in Indonesia.
- 2021
Karate at Tokyo 2020
Karate's only Olympic appearance so far, held in 2021.
- 2024
Paris 2024 records
Mijain Lopez wins a fifth straight wrestling gold; Teddy Riner a third individual judo gold.
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Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 12, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.