Sports that Once Were Lethal

Taking a look at the history of mankind will show you that us, humans, are an incredibly violent species. Since the dawn of time people were fighting and killing for a variety of reasons – resources, faith or pride. During our history, we have devised some incredibly creative ways to kill each other. In the years of “peace” some of these have been turned into peaceful sports or forms of self-improvement. And, unless the only thing you do is play online slots games, you might even be involved in some of them.

1. Martial arts

Perhaps the most obvious example of deadly techniques turned into competitive sports are martial arts. Some of these have a long history – like Karate, Kung Fu or Capoeira – and some others, like Krav Maga, were devised more recently. These sports require both strength and discipline, each one of them very useful in our everyday life.

2. Shooting, biathlon, archery

Shooting does not need too much explanation. Just think of the snipers of wars past and present. Archery was used as a way to reduce the numbers of the enemy during the battles of the old times, and also as a highly effective hunting tool necessary for survival.

Biathlon is a sport that combines rifle shooting and cross-country skiing. The sport has Nordic origins – it was introduced by the Norwegian army it the 18th century. Today biathlon is an Olympic sport.

3. Harness racing

One of the most obvious sports of ancient origins, maybe less popular as a free time activity, but most widely followed by punters. Harness racing involves a horse, a sulky (a two-wheeled cart) and a driver. It has remained highly similar to the chariot races of the ancient Rome, which were used by warriors to showcase their capabilities in the battlefield.

War chariots were among the most feared weapons used in ancient wars – these heavy two-wheeled vehicles carried well-armed warriors and were usually equipped with blades capable of slicing extremities off both people and horses.

4. Fencing and other sports involving blades

Swords, rapiers, katanas and other blades are involved in a series of modern day sports. The Western form of the sport is largely based on the dueling techniques devised in the 15th century Spain, which has shifted toward being a sport in the 18th century.

Japan has an ancient sword culture, which has been carried through to modern times in the form of a number of sports. including Kendo and Iaido. The techniques used by the samurai to defeat their enemies on the battlefield have declined a lot during Japan’s history, but they have been revived thanks in part to Hollywood’s interest in them – and they have again conquered the world in the form of less deadly, but highly competitive sports.