What is a Martial Art?
A martial art can be defined as a system of techniques; physical and mental exercises developed as an effective means for self-defense and offense, both unarmed and with the use of weapons. The origin and history of martial arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of martial arts in Greece, Egypt, Korea, Africa, Japan, China, Okinawa, Thailand, as well as other cultures and countries. There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and martial artists.
A martial art is a systematized form of personal combat for the purpose of self defense, physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. It must be clearly understood that the practice of martial arts is not limited to the various styles and systems of Asian origin. Different forms of martial practices were engaged in by other countries and cultures. There is a vast difference between the practice of a sport and a practice of a martial art. In the practice of martial arts the training is primarily geared to self-preservation in an actual combative situation. Pedagogy has been formulated to ensure that the most effective, logical, and economic techniques are taught and learned. The secondary aspects of this type of practice, the physical, mental, and spiritual areas, are different levels that arise from the training. These are then interconnected with the practice, aiding and complimenting the development of a complete martial artist to a higher level of mastery in whatever s
A Martial Art can be defined as a system of techniques, physical and mental exercises developed as an effective means for self-defense and offense, both unarmed and with the use of weapons. The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of Martial Arts in Greek, Egyptian, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures. There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China-regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists.
A martial art, to paraphrase Mr. Webster, is “any of several arts of combat and self-defense…” More specifically, a martial art is any composite of method, technique, philosophy, and ideology that defines a system of physical and mental training for the purpose of combat, self defense and/or peace. Mr. Webster mentions “for sport.” But, Mr. Webster (well, at least his etymologist) was obviously not a martial artist. A martial art can be sport… but I just see that as a subset of peace.
