There are many styles (Karate, Kung fu, Jujitsu, etc) and Disciplines (Shaolin, 5 animal, Brazilian, American, etc) that are offered in the world of Martial arts. Of the various branches of one tree they can be grouped simply into Hard, Soft, Internal, and external. Kung fu, Qi Gong, Tai chi, were of some the first branches and focused on internal energy and mindset. Due to the increase of conflicts in the world, society in various regions looked for training that was quicker to learn and more efficient by means of raw exterior versus harmonious internal conditioning.

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As such, Chinese Martial Arts, through the expansion of disciplines (different mindsets and intent of use) throughout the world, Styles emerged to fit the area or region it was adapted. Styles like Jujitsu from Japan in the 1400's before being brought to Brazil in 1914, Arnis from Spain in the 1500's, Karate from Okinawa in 1700's, Aikido in Japan in the 1800's, Krav Maga from Czechoslovakia in the 1930's, and Kempo in Japan in 1940's and ten years later in the 1950's to America. Over time these arts became more external and hard and less about peace and deescalation, and more about self (ego) and in the case of Krav Maga disregard for the well-being of the opponent.

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When we at Panthers Gate speak of honouring a long established Tradition, we focus on the nature of the being both as an individual and a collective. Interdisciplinary (as apposed to MMA or multi-style) Martial arts was created with the notion that through study one finds that 90% of all movements are the same and 10% are varied based on mindset. Further that the 10% is what actually hones the spirit of the warrior, by completing the balance of combining the hard and soft, the internal and external, and studying the why in order to better the how and when of our actions.