Introduction To sports:
Sports are basically referred to as a physical activity for fun. A sport usually includes a competition between the individuals or teams. This competition is only for the sake of entertainment. Any sport has its own rules and regulations. The restrictions, fouls, and points make any sport successful. Where as a martial art is defined as “relating to or suited to war”.
Martial arts today is on the other hand considered to be a sport. But is it more than that? This has been debated for decades. Some people argue that Martial arts like Taekwondo have had their effectiveness, and soul ripped out of them in favour of point scoring bouts that have resulted in adaptive techniques moving further from the martial into the point scoring field. I.e. Sports Martial arts, and Combat Sports.
Martial arts includes hits and strikes with both hands, feet, throws and grappling. This gives the practitioner a lot more possibilities than other sports such as boxing. Hands, legs, elbows or knees along with chokes can be used to knockout the opponent. Martial arts fights requires strategies and theories. Making it different from any other fighting sports such as wrestling, boxing, judo or BJJ. One needs to be athletic, flexible and in peak condition if you wish to do martial arts at the highest level.
Martial arts Rules:
There are some rules and regulations in Martial arts for the safety of both teams and individuals. The fair competition in the presence of the referee makes it similar to other sports. Judges and strict drug testing precautions help to make the sport safe and fair. Similar to boxing fight generally have rounds. The competitors can fight with their hands or legs and often require the use of various types of using Boxing Gloves. The biggest difference between combat martial arts and boxing is that it can be a won with submissions.
Is Martial Arts Is a Sport?
The popularity of Martial arts and the variety of martial arts styles can make choosing an art difficult. Martial arts as a sport is a way to allow martial arts techniques and skills to be tested safely. Martial arts does this through competition. Competition between two individuals giving their all and putting their bodies on the line allow us to judge an individuals skill and ability. These martial artists can show the world what they have learned and what actually works when two elite athletes go head to head.
In Conclusion:
Martial arts continues to grow in popularity and although not just a sport. Combat sport competitions are where these arts and the martial artists can test their skills and arts as well as further develop them. Sports Martial arts are essential in a civilised society if these arts are to continue to be respected for being effective. Despite this Martial arts is more than a sport. It is a way of life. A means to self mastery and a discipline of the highest nature.
