Ok, I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but this topic probably will.

What is it that makes something a martial art? Is there more to martial arts than just combat techniques? Do those systems which don't have something more really qualify as martial arts?

My personal thought is that a martial art is a fighting system first and foremost. That having been said, a martial art also goes beyond that and also should give its practitioners things it can apply outside of combat. It should comment on the proper character of a martial artist.

In other words, if a kung fu teacher teaches technique and skill, but does not teach his students how they should treat others, and how to take the philosophy of their art and make it work when they are not fighting...it is not real martial arts. It is a fighting system.

Thoughts, opinions, and comments?

Great question....

Learning to fight and defend myself is probably up there too! But, one thing martial arts has taught me is self expression.... Or should I say using my body (Sounds funky)

But sometimes I have a great time just doing no contact with a fellow martial artist.... Just letting it flow man!

yeah, because the shoilin monks learnt their kung fu to protect themselves, which means fighting off opponents. competions are about points by hitting, throwing, or getting the upper hand in the fight.

Actually, as the story goes, the Shaolin learned the first chuan'fa from Da Mo (Bodhidharma) for the purpose of getting them into the physical shape to withstand the rigors of meditation. The codified martial arts systems that are born out of Shaolin are supposedly based on the 18 Monk Hands taught to them.

I believe that a true martial art should positively impact the student's character. It must be more than mere technique; it is a lifestyle that affects how we see, how we act, and how we feel.

indeed

Remember the line from Seraph in the matrix.

"You do not truly know someone, until you fight them."

I believe it is possible to know someone with out fighting them, but it is a tricky thing.

Shadow wrote:
Remember the line from Seraph in the matrix.

"You do not truly know someone, until you fight them."

To be honest, I've never fought my girlfriend. She could be anybody. I'm going to fight her the next time I see her just to make sure.

nah, just wait till you marry her...then you'll fight her all the time

j/k i do fight with my wife sometimes, but that's because she's one of my students, and a black belt.

dmccarthy wrote:
[
j/k i do fight with my wife sometimes, but that's because she's one of my students, and a black belt.[/quote]

Yeah but soon she'll be kicking your but

As soon as she get passed being nice

Does martial arts mean war like expression? If so this goes beyond just techniques, because that would be self-defense.