Art

Ever wonder just what makes an activity a martial art.

Karate is, but boxing isn't. Judo is,but wrestling isn't.

Put boxers in white uniforms with colored belts and it still isn't a martial art.

The difference is more fundamental than that. It has to do with the intention.

Go to a boxing gym and you'll find that the vast majority of people training are there preparing for competition. The old timers act as trainers and do not actually participate.

Go to a Karate class and it is all very different. Only a minority have any interest in the sport aspects of the activity. There are old timers there, too, but they are just like everybody else. They train.

The goal is to be a better person through training, not a more successful competitor.

This is true of Judo which is the most sport-oriented of the martial arts.

Outwardly it is much like wrestling, but that is an illusion.

Most of the people diligently practicing Judo are not competitors. Some have no interest, and some are too old, but all work equally hard.

I've been involved in wrestling and it's all about competition.

Both types are fine, but are quite different.