Is wrestling considered a martial art?

Answer 1

That depends upon the definitions. For the majority of the world, all Martial Arts are lumped together.

Some of them are trained as sports. Most of the Modern or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA's) are practiced as sports. The martial arts in the Olympics, Judo and Tae Kwon Do are sports with rules and limitations.

The traditional practitioners continue to teach and learn the martial arts as a way of life and a way of combat.

Answer 2

Of course it is a martial art. In fact, according to archaeological evidence Wrestling is the oldest martial arts in existence. Ancient religious literature from cultures all around the world usually mention wrestling of some sort. For instance, the Hebrew Bible (a.k.a. The Old Testament) mentions the third Jewish patriarch Jacob wrestling an angel (Gen. 32:22-31).

Some people define a "martial art" as anything to do with physical combat or fighting, while others limit the definition to a system of refined fighting skills (usually covering techniques and tactics that can be effective in striking, throwing and grappling), with a blend of philosophy, spiritual enlightenment, and a warrior's code of moral and ethical conduct.

There are many fighting systems, but the original concept of a "Martial Art" was pertaining to balance between deadly skills, and ethics that form a way of life for the trained warrior to appreciate the value of life, the art of living in peace and harmony, and seeking an enlightened path. By this definition, wrestling itself is not a Martial Art, but many of the skills contained in wrestling are prevalent in most Martial Art unarmed combat curricula.

Answer 3

I believe not.

Most people, even fighters, don't think of boxing as a martial art. Boxing is a western sport and has no place in practical martial arts discussion because there is no carry over into a combat or self defense situation, or so most people believe.

Nothing could be further from the truth when discussing the practical value of boxing. The sport is a simple one for beginners to learn; yet the complexities make perfection nearly impossible to attain. It can take a lifetime to master the sweet science.

From the very start, a novice boxer is taught to fight. He will learn to throw crisp jabs and straight right hands (assuming an orthodox fighter). The fundamentals will be stressed and practiced repeatedly until they become second nature. It is during this early learning period that fighters are instructed in a proper stance, covering up, footwork and throwing punches without telegraphing them. New fighters will quickly move to hitting the punch mitts, heavy bag and double end bag while practicing their punches. This training reinforces the need for balance, coordination, control and accuracy.

Answer 4

That depends. A martial art in the strict sense is a fighting art, not a performing art. And martial arts performed in fighting competition are not a performing art either: they are a sport. But when when martial-art drills are performed as a display (e.g. forms performed in ceremonies and parades) that is a performing art, and when choreographed "fights" are staged as part of a dramatic performance (e.g. for films or in Chinese Opera), that is a performing art too, especially when showy acrobatic moves instead of ones that could be effective.

Answer 5

Sport focuses on competition with a strict set of rules, protective gear and referees. The goal is to win. Martial arts focus on the improvement of the person, both physically and mentally.

Answer 6

No, Kung Fu is a martial ART. Although you can use it in competition and tournaments, etc, the true idea behind it was and still is self defense.

Answer 7

Yes, in fact if you were to break it down, it's actually several sports boiled into one. Boxing, wrestling, Judo, Jujitsu, Kick-boxing, Thai-boxing. Take your pick