martial art

noun

1. Often martial arts any of the traditional forms of Asian self-defense or combat that utilize physical skill and coordination without weapons, as karate, aikido, judo, or kung fu, often practiced as sport.

martial art

noun

1. any of various philosophies of self-defence and techniques of single combat, such as judo or karate, originating in the Far East

Other Word Forms

• martial artist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of martial art¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

A new study examining cognitively impaired professional boxers and mixed martial arts fighters reports that the brain's waste-clearing system appears to weaken after repeated blows to the head.

Read more on Science Daily

The award for non-scripted entertainment went to Danish reality TV series Shaolin Heroes, which follows contestants leaving their conventional lives behind to pursue martial arts.

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The two young opponents, clad in crisp white karategi with coloured belts and protective headgear, circled each other on the tatami, the floor covering used for practising Japanese martial arts.

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As the film goes on they will take on whatever super skills needed to keep things dazzling, such as martial arts or race-car driving.

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"Zhang has the same passion for martial arts as me, the same mindset. It's not about fame - this is what I like about her," said Shevchenko.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• judo 
• karate 
• wrestling