Martial Sport vs Martial Science

Martial sport and martial science represent two different approaches to combat and self-defense, each with its own focus and objectives. While most schools focus primarily on one system of martial art, we here at Strickland’s focus on five unique systems and as many subsystems. Each with their own unique background and culture. Some arts like Taekwondo and BJJ, have evolved into a sport and are competitive, while others like Silat and Kali are primarily combat applicable. So in short martial sport and martial science are not the same thing.

Here are some distinctions between the two:

Martial Sport:

1. Competition and Scoring: Martial sports such as Taekwondo emphasize competitive matches or tournaments where participants aim to outscore or defeat their opponents based on specific rules and scoring systems. The objective is to showcase skills, athleticism, and strategy within the boundaries of the sport's regulations.

2. Rule-bound Environment: Martial sports have well-defined rules and regulations that govern permissible techniques, target areas, and conduct during matches. These rules are designed to prioritize safety, maintain fairness, and create a standardized framework for competition.

3. Athletic Performance: Martial sports place a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, agility, speed, and strength. Athletes train specifically for the demands of their sport, focusing on sport-specific techniques, strategies, and conditioning to excel in competitive settings.

4. Specialized Techniques: Martial sports like Taekwondo often have techniques that are specifically tailored to the rules and scoring criteria of the sport. These techniques may not always have practical applications outside of the sport's context but are designed to maximize scoring opportunities and strategic advantages.

Martial Science:

1. Scientific Study and Analysis: Martial science involves the systematic study and analysis of combat principles, human physiology, biomechanics, and effective strategies. It aims to understand the underlying principles of martial arts and combat to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in real life scenarios.

2. Adaptability and Practicality: As mentioned martial science focuses on the practical application of techniques and strategies in real-world self-defense scenarios. It seeks to adapt and refine techniques based on scientific principles, empirical evidence, and effectiveness in realistic situations. While onesteps and free sparring are great conditioning exercises, they are not realistic and suffer from a number rules.

3. Experimental Approach: Martial science uses the analytical and experimental approach by testing various techniques, strategies, and training methods to validate the effectiveness and refine them based on scientific principles and evidence.

4. Integration of Multiple Disciplines: Martial science often incorporates knowledge and principles from various martial arts, combat sports, weapons and related fields such as physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and tactics. It seeks to integrate different disciplines to develop a comprehensive and effective approach to combat. Thus the more the program has to offer the better the training.

While martial sport and martial science can be distinct approaches, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many martial artists and practitioners of martial sports integrate elements of martial science into their training to enhance their skills, improve their understanding of combat principles, and refine their techniques for practical application.

Ultimately, the choice between martial sport and martial science depends on an individual's goals, interests, and desired focus. Some may prefer the competitive nature and athletic challenge of martial sports and tournaments, while others may prioritize the practicality, adaptability, and scientific understanding offered by martial science in an ever growing and dangerous world.