why do we call asian fighting techniques - martial arts. Aren't they just fighting, is it an art?

Answer 1

Western "martial arts" are called "martial arts" too. The word "martial" means military, and the term "art" means that fighting is not an exact science -- there is room for individual embellishment.

Answer 2

Because Asian martial arts (which means "physical art") involve more than just "fighting" as the more modern day forms are geared. They use "Kata" (practice forms) to increase balance, power, concentration and discipline. The "Art" for the form is in training to use your body in a different way to affect the physics of your surroundings. In reality has little to do with actual fighting, and more to do with personal discipline and lifestyle in the upper echelons, but all of this is acheived through the fighting kata. By the same token gymnastics, dance (real dance NOT shake your a** garbage) and such are also considered a "martial" art.

Answer 3

Most of the so called martial arts are also martial philosophies. They were created by monks who were not allowed to have weapons at first, and the weapons were added later. Probably the original martial art was Judo. You can't have a judo match. No one versed in judo would ever be the aggressor. For the others, yes, it is an art. If where you learn the techniques is any good at all, you also learn the philosophy of respect and love of peace that goes with the technique.

Answer 4

Some martial arts are basic, brutal, in your face fighting systems whose only goal is to beat down the opponent. Other martial arts are complicated, beautiful, and refined fighting arts whose goal is the perfection of human character. Some martial arts, such as Brazilian Jujitsu or Mixed Martial Arts, claim to be the real deal, the best way to beat any opponent. They seek fights and feel fulfilled when they are in a fight, whether they win or not. They train to bang it out with opponents and see who is left standing at the end. Other martial arts are just that, they are martial ARTS. They are a way of life. They train to achieve perfection in fighting skills. They have the skills need to win in an actual fight but they have the philosophy that, if an actual fight occurs, you have failed in your art.

Answer 5

Art is a refined expression of humanity.
Flaling around like an gorilla is fighting.
Martial Arts are cleaner, specific and express the fighter's emotional stance - just like a paint brush.

You can learn martial arts and still "just fight" but when you do, you arent practicing the art.

Answer 6

You could call any fighting a martial system. The art part comes from the strategic way many strikes are used and not just punches thrown around hoping to connect.

grasshopper -

Answer 7

Actually, asians are the ones who termed these techniquest as "Martial Arts." They did so because these forms were perfected over centuries into a virutal art form. Early non-asian visitors often commented on the elegance of these forms thus the "art" aspect stuck.

Answer 8

It's because there is generally a lot of focus required, and body control, and practice - martial arts are much closer to dance than streetfighting.

Martial arts are also somewhat philosophical, and often have a tie-in with a religion or sect.

Answer 9

There's more to martial arts than learning to smack somebody in a bar. Become a practitioner and you'll see benefits without ever using the techniques in the "street."

Answer 10

The Katas which are specific moves that are choreographed are the Art in Martial Arts.