So I've been watching this TV series on National Geographic called Kung Fu Quest . It's a fascinating show where a couple of martial artists go train in different systems of kung fu. In this particular episode they trace the origin of karate to white crane boxing: At the 48 minute mark , they go over traditional karate strength training exercises: stone hammers , sanchin steps, stone locks and dynamic tension . I've always found traditional martial arts strength exercises to be fascinating, because martial artists use a lot of strength exercises that predate the advent of dumbbells and barbells. Martial artists practice a wide variety of body weight exercises and partner-assisted exercises meant to build strength, mobility and flexibility. Different disciplines, for example, have their own push-up variations: The original purpose of exercise was martial. Exercise originated from the martial arts and from warrior cultures. Prior to in...