Can studying martial arts be a form of cultural appropriation?

The first is, can you study the martial arts out without being *accused* of cultural appropriation? Probably not. Sooner or later this going to come around. read more

Teaching a specific niche ethnic martial art from an oppressed people as if you are the pre-eminent practitioner and privy to its deepest secrets when you didn't actually do that and are a member of the oppressing group could be cultural appropriation, but is more likely just fraud. read more

Studying an martial art which originated in Asia is no more cultural appropriation than using Arabic numerals to do math. Form the sound of it you want to do martial arts for the right reasons, fitness, self defense, and most importantly respect and discipline. read more

Black music and dance, Native American fashions, decoration, and cultural symbols, and Asian martial arts and dress have all fallen prey to cultural appropriation. “Borrowing” is a key component of cultural appropriation and there are many examples in recent American history. read more