The earliest source of the current traditional martial arts is most commonly traced to a Buddhist monk from India who traveled to China to teach Buddhism. He had developed exercises to strengthen his body and mind against the elements, and also developed a weaponless art to defend himself against attacks or physical abuse. Bodhidharma traveled to the eastern parts of China bordering India, and began to teach Buddhism. Along with it he also taught what he had developed as an art for self defense.
With time, this art shaped into the early forms of Tai Chi and Kung Fu. There are many books written on this search into the ancient on the development of the current art forms.
"Additional information to this article will be added as more authentic information is collected on genuine places of practice of martial arts."