Page "Culture of India" Paragraph 37

Indian martial arts techniques have had a profound impact on other martial arts styles across Asia.

The 3rd century BC Yoga Sutras of Patanjali taught how to meditate single-mindedly on points located inside one's body, which was later used in martial arts, while various mudra finger movements were taught in Yogacara Buddhism.

These elements of yoga, as well as finger movements in the nata dances, were later incorporated into various martial arts.

According to some historical accounts, Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma was one of the main founders of the Shaolin Kungfu.