" It seems that the real reason Asia is erroneously credited with being the sole origin of Martial Arts is that Europe and other regions failed to maintain their unarmed fighting styles. With the dawn of more deadly weapons, the more rudimentary arts of self-defence were discarded. After all, if the enemy is pelting your homestead with cannons it seems moot to learn a good throat strike.   "

― Phil Pierce , Martial Arts Myths: Behind the Myths!