Martial arts; how much is sport and how much is self defence?

Martial Arts; Sport vs. Self Defense
The study of a systematized fighting method can serve several purposes and encompass several pursuits. The basic benefits of exercise, wellbeing, discipline and focus are the most essential benefits from such study. Going into more specific domains, however, requires us to take a look at two different applications, or forms, of a martial art: true combat study, and sport.

When looking at the history and progression of a martial art from a pure martial art into a sport, it is important to note that the art always makes the transition in that order. The origins of all martial arts are in the training of warriors to more effectively engage in combat for the protection of their own lives and those of their countrymen, with the safety of their nation or city the highest goal to which they train. At its origin, a martial art is exactly that: A sequence of forms and practices intended for use in war. In times of peace, however, when these arts are not needed for true combat, the soldier must continue to train in their use and simulate fighting lest his skills dull and he be unprepared the next time that a real fight breaks out.

Competitions evole between friends to keep their abilities up to par. Soon, the people become interested in watching their proud warriors show off their skills, and so they begin to watch these ‘games.’ The original martial art remains, but budded off from it is a different reflection of itself, a sport. There are many cases of martial arts evolving into sports throughout history. The bladed fighting of the Samurai and the deadly martial art of Italian rapier budded off into the modern sword sports of Kendo and Olympic Fencing, for example.

There is one overarching difference between a pure martial art and a sport: Rules. A real fight has none, and those who enter into one expecting their opponent to abide by any will most likely lose. Imposing rules on a sport is necessary to make it safe, but one must remember that it diminishes its realism considerably. Along with rules comes proper martial arts equipment. Real weapons are designed to hurt people. Sport weapons are designed not to. The essential similarities of speed, skill and technique remain the same. It is in the area of creativity, environment use, and improvisation that a martial art truly distinguishes itself from a sport.