[Gazelle]

A martial art is defined by one online dictionary as...

'Any of several Asian arts of combat or self-defense, such as aikido, karate, judo, or tae kwon do, usually practiced as sport. Often used in the plural.'

I think martial arts has grown beyond that definition. Yes, it is still very much based around that area, but have not certain techniques been developed for their 'wow factor'? It seems to me that there is also a more creative side to it (maybe that's why it has the 'art' in the name? Though, i think that might have more to do with skill.), and a more spiritual side to it also. The reason i have always wanted to do martial arts is not for the self-defense, that's just a bonus, its to see what i can get my body to do, to see if i could move with that incredible prowess that you see some martial artists do, and to see how far i can get my 'mind over matter'/lack of confidence in certain things. It's not just about the effectiveness of the techniques in a real life 'battle' for me, it's about a battle within myself...overcoming some of my own weaknesses, doing things that you might not otherwise do (that's why i like the more gymnastic part of it), concuring the mind's limits, pushing my boundaries. It's a more personal thing than just wanting to know how to handle myself, or just learning things to help me survive in certain instances. I'm not saying it is wrong just to do a martial art to keep fit, or for self-defense at all, i just think martial arts can be about and worth a lot more than that.

What do you think?

Why do you do martial arts?

[zefff]

To keep me off drink and drugs. I am a lazy person with an addictive streak so being addicted to training fills my time and keeps me away from more destructive addictions.

Martial arts = a fun hobby which makes me feel good about myself.

[Sparky-bjj]

I practice martial arts (bjj and submission grappling) simply because I love fighting and being on the mat! There's no deeper, spiritual meaning or goal I want to achieve.

[Robert_RedBeard]

I practice and research because I think the world is going to hell in a hand basket and I will very possibly need these skills in the future if I wish to survive.

I want my son and my daughter to be safe and secure.

I don't do any of this for fun. Though I do not deny that I find it fun and exciting. I do it because I like having the tools to do the jobs I will need to do.

I wish to bring martial traditions back to my family, as well as my people and pass that knowledge on to the future generations.

I do it to make myself a better 'warrior'. Being in danger of being called to active duty at any time, I prep for the worst to be able to act when needed. I've been fighting something all my life, whether something physical, mental, theological, or political. I've found that the pursuit of perfection as related in MA enhances all aspects of your life. I train with the full knowledge that I'm going to use these abilities eventually, not "maybe" but WILL, and have already on a few occasions. I seek to test and prove myself in everything I do, MA included.

All my training, military, state, etc has only been enhanced by MA.

[setsu nin to]

Any of several Asian arts of combat or self-defense...



So Capoeira, Boxing, Savate... are not martial arts?

If savate is the french one, then no it isnt.

[bamboo]

I'm addicted to the MAs.

[nbotary]

Originally Posted by angryrocker4

If savate is the french one, then no it isnt.

AMEN TO THAT!!! No offense to my Canadien brethren, but if it's French, it's gotta be crap!!!

[Gazelle]

Originally Posted by setsu nin to

Any of several Asian arts of combat or self-defense...



So Capoeira, Boxing, Savate... are not martial arts?

According to that particular definition, i guess not!

What is it with people and the French???? If there is one thing that gets me (well, one of the any), it's stereotyping! Sorry, i feel in a somewhat expressive mood!