Does Competition add or subtract from MA and its principals?

Question

Does Competition add or subtract from MA and its principals?

Answer 1

Add.  True cross-style competition is a good thing.  In the world of MA, it helps you place your skills against someone of a different style.  It helps you find what works and doesn't work for you in your style.  Many Martial Artists come accros this and think (or find) that their style (or them personally) is lacking something.  Unfortunately, allot of time this means that they will quit their current style and try another, instead of figuring out what, in their style, is made to deal with that.   Once you do that, you can really begin to learn and start the "Art" part of Martial Arts.

Answer 2

Both, which is why it must be in balance.

If competition is treated as a means of learning, application and experimentation then it is fine.  If competition is tied to promotion (cough-judo-cough) so much so that you have people who are great at fighting but terrible at all other aspects of their style, then it takes away.  

Competition can be something that gives realistic feedback though, plus it is as close as you can come to a real fight without really fighting.  Competition can let you learn about yourself and see what you tend to do when under combative stress.

Answer 3

In all honesty,as someone who has fought in the past and now teaches,I would have to say yes.I believe competition brings dishonor to you,your family,your do jho,and your master.