What makes a martial art?

[John Bishop]

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?  

[Gints Klimanis]

Hello,

I find it convenient to break the "martial arts"
category into three parts:  self-defense, performance
art and physical fitness.  

The self-defense arts can be quickly identified by groin kicks.  If a groin cup is not worn and at least fifty
contact strikes are not delivered to the groin in
every practice session, it's not self-defense.   The
primary goal of the effort is to defend oneself.

Performance art is essentially gymnastics with a
martial spirirt.  These arts are physically-demanding
and are driven more by form than function.  The
primary goal of the effort is to perform preset
routines beautifully and flawlessly.

Physical fitness are are those which emphasize health
or healing.  The primary goal is physical maintenance.

[MN]

This is certainly a topic that could go on and on.  However, in regards to the categories above (though I could be reading the chart wrong), I'm not sure I'd put kenjutsu, aikido, or kendo under the categories of "sport" or "self-defense."  "Art" seems to fit them best.  Understandably, this may be subject to opinion.

I look at the martial arts as being something who's purpose is to develop an individual spiritually, mentally, and physically.  It's designed for self-preservation and education at the same time.  To what level the arts develop these areas varies, but in the end, would take many years (or lifetimes) to perfect or achieve.

[sig666+]

There's no way we can understand or evaluate the complete meaning of martial arts(Bu=Martial=military = warrior) arts(Do=art=the way of the Art) until we reach the end of the road; and for most of us on the path, that's the end of our days on this earth. If the shape of the trail can't be seen while we're still on it, why then even attempt to map it?  and above all perseverance to continue pursuing a goal that will never be reached--these are qualities of a strong human being. I have learned these from Kajukenbo, modern developments with a fair degree of emphasis on character building and "spiritual forging." (The notion of "michi" or "do" is an important part of the culture and like most other ideas in kajukenbo, everyone shares a similar understanding of what it means to be a "follower of the way. Also The ("daisho") a arts developed (outside the military) Call the civilian Art.  "If you train every day, by the time you reach the end of your life, you'll be able to look back and say, 'I trained.' That's really all there is to it." in Martial Arts

[Karazenpo]

Hello Sigung Bishop, I, too, would have to agree with category #3. Imho, the martial arts is all about self defense with the complete development of the mind, body & spirit. We all know that only with a clear & uncluttered mind may we respond reflexively and appropiately to a situation of sudden attack. Its not    just the physical development as in western boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, etc.  Traditional martial artists are not just limited by the physical, which is only a temporary state as we age. As practioners grow older in these sports they are unfortunately considered "hasbens", washed up or over-the-hill by their peers & fans but a true martial artist continues to develop and grow with age and maturity. Just the opposite occurs, he or she gains more respect from  their peers, students, etc. This occurs not only in the fighting sports but also in baseball, football, basketball, etc. I believe this is from the lacking of the spirtual side of the arts, the integration of body, mind & spirit. The philosophy & tradition. I have personally known several champion kickboxers who lacked this discipline and became shadows of their former self and ended up in trouble with the law. Several darn good pro & golden glove boxers I've been acquainted with have also fell from grace the same way. I'm sure you have seen personal examples of this, too, in your life experience. Sport martial arts is great and I have much respect for the heart & abilities of these men and women who step in that  ring but it should only be one aspect of their training and merely a supplement to the traditional arts.

[Sub7]

Hello Sigung Bishop, I agree with the categories you've provided. I've always been confused how the world has even considered 1 & 2 to be categorized as a martial art.

I'm wondering if there is a way to correct this and let the world know the difference. I guess this forum is a starting point, but how can we spread this to the rest of the world. Could we begin by lobbying to the MA magazines?

I sure would like to see this corrected.  I think there is a huge difference between categories. I think it would be beneficial to educate the world the difference.

Just my humble opinion.  I'm curios to what others have to say about this.

[Sub7]

I can see category 2 is closer to category 3 and could understand how it can be affiliated with category 3. Considering, category 2 may have the kicks, punches and techniques affiliated with category 3.  

In my previous entry, please withdraw #2 in my statement.  

I would like to correct myself by asking how the world can even consider category #1 as a martial art?

[cirillo]

Where do weapon arts such as shooting a gun, explosives and bow and arrow fit in here?  Obviously, some are in the traditional martial arts, but others are not.  Shouldn't they be considered martial arts (i.e., art = skill, martial = suitable for war or a warrior)?

Based on this literal definition of "martial art", you would have to include boxing, etc. as martial arts.  No matter how small a part of the arts they are, they are still involved in the development of "skills that are suitable for war or a warrior".  It is only necessary that the understanding is conveyed that there are limitations to their use.  Often this understanding is missing when they are taught.

This is just what I thought of when I read the question.  Perhaps a definition should be made between "self defense", "sport" and "martial arts"?  Some martial arts are very "practical" and others are mostly "sport", but it is hard to change the literal definition despite the differences.

What do you think?

[kajudaddy]

while working at the prison one day the crips and bloods had a fight and i was caught in the middle.a crip rushed me from the side and without thinking i chopped him on the side of the neck and did a aikido circular throw tossing him hard on the ground.to me that was the art in martial arts(or part of it).a situation you take control of without thinking,just reacting and you get to go home and have dinner withe kids unharmed.thats what i think of when someone mentions martial arts.

[Mitch Powell]

I think an easy way to classify martial arts is to break them up into three levels. Those levels are (1) Escape (2) Control, and (3) Attack.

A level one martial art focuses on teaching escaping as the primary means of defending yourself. They may teach more, but their main concept is escape. I'm think of an Aikido person fighting off multiple attackers. They are not really interested in taking the person to the ground and locking up with them, nor are they interested in poking the person's eyes out.

A level two art focuses on teaching control as the primary means of self defense. They focus on controlling the attacker using locks, chokes, control holds, etc. Of course, this would be your jui jitsu systems, which is often taught to law enforcement. Their primary concern is to take control of the attacker and prevent them from escaping or attacking the officer.

A level three art focuses on teaching attacking as their primary means of self defense. Kajukenbo's philosophy is to attack the attacker, so it's pretty obvious where Kajukenbo falls. Mixed martial arts falls in this category too. Their goal is to take the person out. Any art that focuses primarily on taking the person out is a level three art.

Some arts teach a combination of all three levels. Arts like kenpo-jujitsu teach escaping, controlling and attacking. They are very well rounded and can be taught to a wide variety of learners-from children to the elderly.

Kajukenbo on the other hand (in it's original form) does not teach escaping or controlling. Every technique in Kajukenbo is designed to destroy the attacker. That's why it can be a problem teaching it to children.

Consider the arts you are familiar with and ask yourself are they primarily used for escaping, controlling, or attacking? Or perhaps a combination of each. Fighting arts tend to be level three.