Well, I think a martial art needs to have 2 fundamental things. First of all it has to teach self-defense in some form, hence the word 'martial'. This is why most peole don't think of tai chi as a martial art, because MOST of the time it's applications are purely for relaxation/excercise. The second thing a martial art must have is a code of conduct or ethics to incorporate into your life. For example, if you take a self-defense class at a local police station, is that martial arts training? Of course not. It's strickty some techniques you learn in order to protect yourself. A TRUE martial art changes you both physically and mentally.
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"I don't fight in the street, there's no mats out there." - JaredExtreme
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