What is a martial art?

Many of the martial arts available to study in modern life owe their origins ultimately to the battlefield of yesteryear. Before technology changed the art of war forever, warriors fought at close-quarters using hand weapons or, if disarmed, their bare hands. Warfare was brutal and required the fighting men to develop highly honed skills along with immense bravery. Self-defense training was not the main goal; victory in a one-on-one (if the combatant was lucky...), brutally violent fight was the sole aim of training. In these circumstances the first formalized fighting arts of ancient Greece and ancient India were spawned and began to spread into neighboring areas. Undoubtedly there were other methods of making war, but these systems, if indeed any such organized systems ever existed, have been lost to history.

As technology advanced the role of the elite warrior became obsolete. Mass conscript armies dominated the battlefield and the distance between the lines of soldiers increased as firearms became more widespread and easier to use. A key to victory became simply amassing greater firepower than the enemy. Skill in the use of weapons was less important than the number - and the power - of weapons that could be brought to bear on an opponent. The usefulness of traditional battlefield fighting arts began to decline and self-defense became a priority instead. Others began to adapt classical techniques for the sporting arena. Fencing, boxing and wrestling in the West were introduced to the Olympic Games, thereby encouraging standardization of techniques and rules for different arts in other countries. The most recent and widespread development is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) which tends to be made up of boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). In Japan in particular, the move to modernization of classical fighting arts was undertaken and led by Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, whose sport would later also be included in the Olympics. There is currently an attempt to have karate registered too as an Olympic sport.

Other masters, moreso in Asia than in the West, encouraged the pursuit of spiritual awakening through the intensive practice of a fighting system. In Japan in particular the arts had long been associated with Zen Buddhism through the samurai warrior class who had adopted the ascetic spiritual tradition as their own. In India yoga had always heavily influenced all physical pursuits. Training then was less about fighting and personal protection or sport and more about the serious nature of spiritual realization. Combative movement became a form of dynamic meditation.

Still others recognized that martial arts could provide a good workout. Again, Jigoro Kano was an early proponent of this approach and in recent years we have seen the immense popularity of the Billy Blanks Bootcamp DVD (Blanks is a practitioner of Tae Kwon Do). The movements naturally lent themselves to the development of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, along with promoting flexibility and, again moreso in Asia, healthy, deeper breathing patterns.

If we ask 'What is a martial art today?' then we find that one of the most attractive features of training is that the arts are so multi-faceted. A practitioner can choose to specialize or he or she can soak up the immense benefits that regular practice offers for all ages. Well-balanced lessons will provide instruction in the various techniques that comprise the different styles in a safe, productive manner. Supplementary conditioning will further help to improve your level of fitness and raise your health awareness. Many classes end with a period of meditation, visualization or quiet reflection. Training can be performed as a solo exercise or at an academy which will also offer the benefit of a social support network.

Martial arts can be studied by anyone of any age or background. Schools and gyms tend to offer different programs to cater for kids and adults. Children especially love to train and are highly motivated by the acquisition of different colored belts that reflect growing expertise and personal growth and development, with the much-respected black belt being the ultimate target of many participants. In recent years more women have also become attracted to the pursuit of a chosen art and continue to reap the rewards. Indeed, it is not unusual nowadays to find a family training together either in the same class or at different times in the same school. You will usually be able to observe classes and take a free lesson prior to joining to take your time and choose the gym and instructor that is best suited for you and your needs.

Equipment tends to be fairly simple and may comprise of nothing more than a training uniform. Any needs you may have can be met by shopping online or at a local store. The arts have become so popular that most cities will have at least one specialist shop selling clothing and other apparel, sparring gear, books, and instructional DVDs.

I myself have been training for some 30 years and have no regrets at all about the amount of time and energy I have given to my chosen arts (karate in particular). The pursuit of a martial art is, I strongly believe, one of the best courses of action a person of any age can undertake. Enjoy your journey! Osssuuu!!!