What does it take to be a 'real' martial artist?

Question

What does it take to be a 'real' martial artist?

Answer 1

This is a great question, albeit one that will only have answers of the opinionated nature.

IMO-

To be a "real" Martial Artist you have to have the conviction of your entire being. You can be a good fighter but not understand why, or what are the ways you can avoid the fight. You can be a poor fighter but "know" the philosophical aspect of the Martial Way. Your commitment in practice should be that of your commitment in battle for your life... All the time. Lose the EGO! Through greater understanding, you will see that you know little, and there's so much more out there to learn, and this holds true no matter how old you are. Unless you're Li Ching-Yuen, but maybe there's still something you haven't learned yet.  

You can "play" Martial Arts as the majority of the world do. That is buying rank, entering into tournaments and flashing trophies, break board/bricks, in front of audiences, etc. I'm not saying these people aren't great at what they do. Breaking boards is fantastic and all, just not something indicative of the solitary way. As much as I'm not a fan of the whole trickery deal, I do realize that those that teach for a living must use that as a necessary evil to keep the attraction. (Why I don't teach for a living)

There's more but it would end up becoming this dissertation/rant thingy and I think I'd only p**s off a lot of people.

Edit- Just read everybody's comments and I would also agree with Bluto on the physical side and his statement on the whole arguing 'til the cows came home. As I mentioned earlier all opinion/ethics based answers. But a GREAT question none the less.

Answer 2

Those white karate pajamas, a bandana tied around your forehead, and a kickass midget sidekick.

Answer 3

concentration, flexibility, discipline and skill

Answer 4

thumb up for bluto.

close but no one has ever really supllied a definitive answer to that question.At least not one that everyone will accept.

In all things to thine own self be true.

Answer 5

I disagree with you Bluto... you would still be a real martial artist... a real poor martial artist.

:)

Answer 6

Commitment,open-mindedness, Being able to use your skills under stress/adrenaline and always willing to learn and lastly being man enough to forget the ego and walk away if you are allowed to from a fight.

I can list many more but thats my humble opinion.

Best wishes :)***

Answer 7

Mastering yourself and never losing your temper.

Answer 8

Effort.

No matter what your skill level, if you are sincerely trying you are real.

Answer 9

Desire.

  :-)

Answer 10

I think Bluto covered the physical aspect of it. I'd add the discipline to not abuse the training you receive, the respect of those around you... especially those who trained and trained with you. And to be humble about the skills your instructor decided to teacher you, you didn't create it, dial the ego back a bit. I'm sure others will add some good points as well.

Answer 11

same thing it takes to be a "real" ice skater, or a "real" writer.

you might not be a pro "skater" or "writer" but you can do it.

you are a "real" martial artist if you can apply the stuff you learn in a real fight.  doesn't mean there aren't better fighters than you, or that you won't get beat, but can you apply what you are learning in class against a fully resisting opponent.

beyond that people add to the definition of what a "martial artist" is, that I won't comment on because we can argue till we are blue in the face if the spirituality is bogus or not (i've never seen any boxing gym talk about it, boxing is a martial art), but I would say that a person calling themselves a "martial artist" must at least be a fighter.

if you can't fight you aren't a real martial artist.

I would agree with someone who proposed that bieng a martial artist includes studying techniques to better themselves beyond the mere "fighing competancy" level. studies to build and improve on thier own use, increase thier understanding of multiple styles even though you already are competant in a few that cover different ranges.

Answer 12

Depends how you would define "real". But to be good at anything, you need, time, will and a passion for what you are doing.

http://markstraining.com Fighting and Training Methods for Unarmed Martial Artists

Answer 13

Discipline,endurance,flexibility,strengt... and most important a sensai.