Question for the TMA people: what are your opinions on boxing, wrestling, and fencing as fighting systems?

Question

Do they merit consideration as Traditional Martial Arts? Why or why not.

Answer 1

By definition a Martial Art is one that is such that it can be used in Battle. Martial meaning military. Any fighting style/system that does not meet that criteria is not by definition a martial art.

EDIT: OK they are not martial arts. Boxing and wrestling can both be used for self-defense. Both are good but not well rounded. By that I'm referring to there being four ranges of unarmed combat(kicking range, punching range, trapping range, grappling range). To be well rounded any self-defense method should train a person to fight well at all four ranges. boxing and wrestling are excellent but do not work well at all four ranges.  I'm not sure why you included fencing. It is not a martial art. It would give a person skilled in it an advantage in a fight because they would have a greater awareness of distance, and timing. If the person was lucky enough to be able to pick up something to use in place of a fencing foil they would be even more effective.  I hope this answers your question. If not contact me by return email and we can continue this.  Best of Luck!

btw- I was going to send this directly to you, but you don't allow email for some reason?  Hope you take another look at my answer.  I believe that this is what you wanted.