We see discussions all the time about how effective one system is compared to another. We see all the "no holds barred" type of matches where the biggest strongest grappler ussually wins.
Somehow all these things like western boxing, Greco- Roman wrestling, pit fighting, etc. get lumped into the "martial arts" category because they involve fighting.
To me there appears to be 3 distinct categories.
1. Sporting arts= Boxing, wrestling, thai boxing, kick boxing. These arts seem to have no philosophy other than working hard to beat an opponant in a sporting contest, under sporting rules.
2. Martial Sports= Olympic style Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Sport Karate. These arts seemed to have over emphasized the sporting aspect of their art to the point that winning competitions is the only measure of success. In fact in Judo rank is only earned thru competition.
3. Martial Arts= Karate, Kung Fu, Kenpo, Old style Tae Kwon Do, Kajukenbo. These type of arts emphasize mental, spiritual, and physical development of the individual. They hold as important, things such as martial traditions, heritage, fellowship, and an avoidance to fight unless it is absolutely neccessary. And then when neccessary, fighting without rules, referee's, rings, or arenas, be it against one opponant or ten.
I have no objection to the people involved in category 1 and 2. And I have no objection to the sporting aspects being a small part of the overall martial arts experience. I just think that the martial arts is a lifelong journey, and the sporting arts end when you can no longer win.
What are your views?