What is a Sport Martial Art?
To answer this question we must first take a look at the definition of “Martial Art.” The word “Martial” when used in the form of sport or exercise means “Training for War” with “War” being the key word. The word “Art” means “Skill as the result of knowledge and practice.” So if you put this together: “Martial Art” means that by knowledge and practice you obtain the skills necessary for war. Here at A.F.T.A. Martial Arts:
“We train for the fight we hope never happens.” Just Like the old saying goes: “I would rather know it and not need it, than need it and not know it.”
The term “Sport Martial Art” is a misnomer. To call them a sport school is correct, but if you add the words “Martial Art” that is when it becomes a misnomer (applying the wrong name to something). For most schools to call themselves a Martial Art is false advertising.
When applied to most schools the word “Sport” is best defined as “an activity with physical exertion and skill to compete against others to see who is the best.” If someone attacks you on the street, they are not doing it for competition. If your lucky they will just beat you and rob you, or worse they could murder you and rob you. And rape is not just for women anymore, men are getting rapped today by multiple men also. Does any of this sound like sport to you?
If all you want is to exercise and compete against others, a sport school is the place for you. But, if you want to learn to protect yourself, your kids or other loved ones you need to be in a Martial Arts school that will teach you true self defense. Come in and try us free for one week with no obligation, then go and look at the other places in town and ask yourself how much do you value the life of yourself and loved ones?