is modern martial arts similar to traditional martial arts?

Answer 1

A common misconception is that traditional martial arts and modern martial arts can be clearly divided. All martial arts are evolving, and, in that sense, modern. Even those that label themselves as "traditional" are continually changing to accommodate competition, changes in culture, allowing children to train, etc.

Yes, there is a difference between, for example, Shito-Ryu karate, which commonly is described as traditional, and modern American kickboxing or newer Japanese styles of karate such as Kyokushinkai. But keep in mind that even Shito-Ryu was not established until after karate travelled from Okinawa to the Japanese mainland in the 1920s. In other words, all Japanese karate styles (as opposed to Okinawan karate) can be seen as modern.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, yes, there are differences among styles of martial arts, but the use of the term "traditional" to group certain styles can be misleading.

Answer 2

Traditonal martial arts is concentrated on the philosopy and the applicatons of the tecniques into the forms. Modern marrtial arts has more athletics pourposes, more acrobatics, work more on the aspect of a form than the applications. Modern martial arts use more kicks and punches, similar to combat sports, to fight.

Answer 3

in taijiquan for example, modern practicioners train soley for meditation and exercise.. traditionally taijiquan is one of the oldest martial arts, with lots of locks and interceptions, it's 80% grappling which most people do not know..
in taiji it can be difficult to find an instructor that teaches the traditional combative aspect of the art.. most instructors will argue that people are actually ruining taiji when saying that its for combat, unfortunately they don't know or care to learn about the history of the art they practice..

wushu as well is another art that has become completely contemporary.. leaving behind its devistating strikes and flowing combative technique for a more acrobatic, demonstrative nature.. but there are still a few instructors that teach it as a combative martial art..

its all about shopping around and finding what suits you best..

it is sad to say that the traditions and customs of martial arts are sadly disappearing at an alarming rate.. being replaced with flashiness and a complete lack of respect for the old ways..

Answer 4

quoting myself from another question,
"but really, any traditional martial art helps you achieve better body shape, more self control (body and mind), and will make you more confident. i say traditional martial art, because only traditional martial art had to change itself from only fighting art to sprit based art in order to survive the time when guns and tech weapons forced fighting arts useless for a while. then ofcourse ban against weapons came and we get rebirth of fighting arts that doesn't have to concentrate on sprit for survival."

although i'm not saying modern martial arts doesn't focus in sprit at all, but it's not considered as important as skill is. Where as traditional MA would consider skill secondary to sprit.

Answer 5

Yes.