The journal distinguished itself by offering in-depth articles and analysis of karate, taekwondo, judo, aikido, taijiquan, and shaolinquan, and many other Asian-based martial arts.^{[citation needed]} Articles covered a wide range of inquiry including history, anthropology, health, medicine, mechanics, martial application, and culture. The articles were intended to be academically sound, yet written in a manner that made them accessible to the general reader. Illustrated with photographs and drawings (many by the late Oscar Ratti^{[citation needed]}), charts and diagrams, and reference material distinguished this journal's oversize format.

The magazine had three main sections: academic articles, general articles that were more informal, and media reviews. Occasionally works of fiction or poetry were featured. Reviews were generally very thorough,^{[citation needed]} and focused on books. Editor and Michael DeMarco established the magazine in 1992,^[2] and also began to publish books in 1999, starting with martial arts historian Robert W. Smith's memoir Martial Musings.^{[citation needed]}

The magazine accepted submissions for articles that were reviewed by at least two members of the editorial board. The journal also claimed rigorous journalistic standards, avoiding bias or "infomercials" for particular styles or masters. The journal was recognized with a number of awards and accolades. Library Journal declared it "One of the Ten Best Magazines of 1992."^{[citation needed]}

The magazine was published in English, with Spanish and Greek editions available.

• Black Belt magazine
• Fightmag
• Karate Bushido
• Inside Kung Fu
• Kung Fu Magazine

• Official website
• JAMA ceases publication