IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

To date, the varied purposes of studying martial knowledge have been lumped together under the ubiquitous term martial arts. Combat systems, martial arts, and combat sports are commonly assumed to be identical, because their physical skills all stem from using the body or weapons for combat purposes. As such, instructors of these systems tend identify their skill sets under one term. However, from a pedagogical viewpoint, these three systems possess unique learning objectives. This paper thus defines combat systems, martial arts, and combat sports according to their final learning objectives to emphasize their distinctive educational qualities. Combat systems are for use in combat or self-defense situations, otherwise understood as when all social rules give way to violence. Martial arts offer a means of mental and social self-cultivation through a physical education curriculum based upon self-defense techniques. Combat sports are reformulated martial arts with a focus on competition. Consequently, these systems’ learning objectives, or the purposes of studying, differ profoundly. Numerous positive repercussions will occur when these learning systems are properly labeled. For instance, instructors will be able to establish more effective training programs that work effectively toward these goals. Students will additionally understand their learning process and be able to determine their progress in relation to their educational goals. Most importantly, instructors and students will better determine their progress in relation to their personal educational goals.