What is an art, and what is a martial art?

For the sake of this discussion:

Fighting is defined as hand-to-hand combat between two people.
Martial fighting is defined as fighting for the purpose of warfare.
Art is defined as skills that permit artistic expression.

Therefore, a martial art is a system of martial fighting that permits artistic expression and is practiced as a method of self-defense or as a sport.

Not all fighting systems are martial (Judo is purely a sport and has no connection to warfare), not all fighting systems are arts (boxing and wrestling are not considered arts), and not all martial fighting systems are martial arts (Navy Seal and Marines Recon fighting systems are not arts). Therefore, just because something involves fighting, it does not mean it is a martial art, and just because something involves martial fighting, it does not make it a martial art.

Just because a person fights or uses martial art techniques, it does not mean that the person using a martial art nor does it mean that the person is a martial artist. Anyone may use a martial art technique and anyone may call what they do a martial art, but that does not make it so.

Fighting systems are primarily intended as combative sports and with the secondary benefit of being useful for self-defense. The primary purpose of a fighting technique is to score with physical contact upon the opponent in same way. In some fighting systems, you may also knockout or incapacitate the opponent or the opponent may surrender. The deadly aspects of the fighting are controlled or eliminated so there is little chance of death or serious injury while fighting. Fighting may cause minor injuries but, after recovery, fighters are usually able to fight again and again. Fighting systems are result oriented; there is no concern for art. For example, in scoring a boxing match, no points are awarded for form or how precise or beautiful the punches were; the only concern is whether the opponent was hit, where he or she was hit, and how hard he or she was hit. The goal of a fighting system is to win the contest, while staying within the rules. You have perfected a fighting system when you win all or most of your fights, preferably with little damage to yourself.

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