Who is a Martial Artist?

[Superfoot]

At one point in your studies of martial arts does one become a martial artist?

Can it be from your first lesson onwards. Or after you reach black belt. Is it a personal journey that's purely subjective, where you become a martial artist when you feel that you "are" one? And who is martial artist? Someone who has memorised and lives by the Dojo Kun? Perhaps an exceptionally good Kumite fighter who as some grasp of the arts doctrine?

At what point, if any, can a person say "I am a Martial Artist".

[Sauzin]

Personally, in my opinion, I think you really become a martial artist when you learn to express yourself through your art. 'Till then I think you're learning the tools and the methods.

I can't really explain it better then that. It's one of those "think about it" statements.

[Armbar]

well,

at what point does a doctor become a doctor? as soon as he enters medical school, or when he's able to apply what hes learned to those in need of medical attention?

Martial arts is the same. Just because you've taken a few classes and have drilled the basic moves dosen't mean you can consistently use them with success against a resisting opponent.

when you're able to apply your art, its time to consider the title "martial artist", IMO.

[Fat Donkey]

I think it's about the passion u have for your art? Does it make u feel good and do u learn from it. I really don't think it has to do with skill or proficency because I've seen natural wonders who didnt learn a damn thing except how to hurt people and I've seen total hopeless klutzes who've used it to turn their lives for the better, even though they will never be good. I like the question though as it makes me ask myself Why do u try to do this stuff 6 days a week? Always the same answer, it's fun and it makes me feel good? Am I a martial artist? I don't know and don't care. Should U?

[AndrewGreen]

At what point do you become a carpenter?

Or do we call it "Carpentry Artist"?

The term "Martial Arts" is a mess, no one agrees on what it means. Some say it refers to art, as in painting, others say art as in a learnt skill. SOme think martial means a connection to war.... who goes to war unarmed?

I train in the martial arts, have for wuite a while now, but the term "Martial Artist" always seemed silly to me.

So I'd say anyone that paints pictures or does sculptures of soldiers and battles, they are the artists.

[Steve_K]

In concurrence with Fat Donkey

I think you become a "martial artist" when the martial arts becomes the/a passion in your life, it doesn't matter how much you know, or how good you are at it, but how you feel about it. My brother is very good at, and loves to play music, and refers to himself as a musician, he is also very good at all kinds of art, painting, drawing etc, but he wouldn't necessarily refer to himself as an "artist" in that sense, but as a "musical artist". I myself also like to write (fictional) stories, but I don't consider myself a "writer". I believe you may adopt any title like that, once whatever you do ceases to become a pastime and hobby, and becomes a passion.

As a martial artist, I can fight, but I am not a fighter.

[sk0t]

Martial Artists...

by definition: one who practices a Martial Art...

personally, I believe one can be labelled a martial artist when he give a viable explanation of what he is learning...

Could be lesson #1, could be lesson #300.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

I believe you become a martial artist when the skills you have learned become a part of your automatic reflexes and you find that you don't have to think about what you want to do any longer, but rather just react automatically to an attack/stimulus. Prior to that time, you are a martial arts practioner....maybe?

[Adonis]

I think its when is all based on interpration and people h ave there own ideas as to what a martial artist is. Some don't like the term martila artist. SO they use Martial athelete, others use, martial scientist, and ect,ect,ect.

Its all up to YOU.

[Sengra]

Martial artists are those who live by the set of principles their art teaches. Every art has a set of guiding principles that can be used not only on the mat, in the dojo or in fights. Many principles can be used in daily events, even in careers...^_^....A Martial Artist must know his art, no doubt, but he must also apply what he learned to the very thing that gave birth to the martial arts....life...