What is the definition of martial arts?

Answer 1

Martial Arts refers to the entire package of a true martial art. Today many martial arts have been changed to become sports and competition based. In others, the philosophy, tradition and principles have been stripped out to leave only the fighting skills.

A true martial artist knows that training hard and following the principles means that the best way to win is to avoid a fight altogether. In addition to acquiring the skills to be an effective fighter if the case should arise, a true martial artist learns how to benefit themselves, their family and society at large. Such things as learning patience, humility and knowing one's own strengths and weaknesses are as important as being able to punch someone.

The word Martial comes from the Roman Greek God of War, "MARS", hence the word Martial means war, Martial arts is the "ART OF WAR." however martial arts refers to Any of several Asian arts of combat or self-defense, such as jijutsu, aikido, karate, judo, or tae kwondo are usually practiced as sport.

Answer 2

Obviously, a Martial Artist is one who studies, practices, or is proficient at the Martial Art. To understand what this means, one should understand that the English term "art" has been redefined in recent decades when describing the Martial Art. The earliest known use of this term originated as a description of Fencing (sword fighting, or fencing with a foil), which was historically a practical method of fighting, or self defense that was taught in correlation with a set of rules of conduct and ethics. It is in this same light of a complementary relationship between deadly combative skills and a code of morality that was first attached to an elite training system and philosophy of an enlightened warrior that the Asian fighting systems became a commonly labeled as Martial Art. Only in more modern times has it come to be attached to a variety of other things.

While the novice researcher focuses on the fact that the etymology of the term "Martial" comes from Latin name for "Mars," the mythological god of war, this was originally applied as a collective term ("Martial Art") by English speaking observers of Asian warrior training for fighting as well as enlightenment. Traditionally, "art" was a translation of the universally used Asian concept of "do" which is a variation of the pronunciation of "tao." In ancient times, Asian philosophers developed a unique appreciation for nature, and the forces of the universe. It was taught that there was an ideal action for doing anything, and that forces of nature provided for a smooth, harmonious, and successful outcome.

Typically, the experience of combat and a warrior's life was focused on death, survival and winning a life-or-death struggle. The life of a warrior off the battlefield was not in harmony with times of peace, and this adversely affected the quality of life for the warrior, success in battle, and interactions within society. It was the "way of the enlightened warrior" that placed an emphasis on a balance of deadly skills and an appreciation for life, that created the "Martial Art," "Martial Way," or "Warrior's Path."

What it means to be a Martial Artist is to be a skilled warrior for justice, seek ideal action, while maintaining balance in body, mind, and spirit, and doing what is right in any given situation by guiding your actions according to a warrior's code of ethical conduct. The Martial Artist does not seek to be placed on a pedestal, nor do they consider themselves to be above all others, but constantly looks inward to eliminate character flaws, find ways to improve one's self, and seeks positive action in all relationships with others, and with their environment.

Answer 3

Martial arts are codified fighting systems and traditions of training for combat. The term martial arts is most commonly applied to eastern martial arts, but western culture also includes martial arts.

Answer 4

Martial refers to warfare. Martial arts are the skill used in war. The term encompasses any skills, including guns and missiles, that contribute to fighting. Most associate the term with the unarmed skills based on the Asian styles, but it also includes Wrestling and boxing.

Answer 5

It means 'empty hand' from kara empty and te hand
karate mean open hand, which means fighting without weapons

Answer 6

A martial artist is a trained fighter in the ancient arts of combat, such as Kendo, aikido, karate, etc.

Answer 7

Martial art is a traditional East Asian form of self-defense, fighting, workout, and spiritual exercise. Karate, Judo, and Aikido are all martial arts.

Answer 8

Self Defense. Plain and Simple.

Answer 9

Judo