Meaning & use
martial arts
Last updated
Meaning
nounpluralsport
Various systems of fighting and self-defense, such as karate, judo, or kung fu, often practiced as sports.
Grammar: Always plural in form; takes a plural verb: 'Martial arts are popular.' For one system, use 'a martial art'.
Patterns
- practice martial arts
- a martial art
- martial arts training
She has practiced martial arts since she was a child.
Karate and judo are both martial arts.
He teaches martial arts at a local gym.
Word forms
| singular | martial art |
|---|
Common combinations
- practice martial arts
- He practices martial arts three times a week.
- martial arts training
- Martial arts training improves balance and discipline.
- mixed martial arts
- Mixed martial arts combines boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu.
- a martial arts film
- We watched a martial arts film with amazing fight scenes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- combat sports
- Combat sports usually refers to competitive fighting like boxing or MMA, while martial arts often includes traditional forms and self-defense.
- self-defense
- Self-defense focuses on protecting yourself from attack; martial arts can also be practiced for sport, fitness, or spiritual reasons.
Word family
- martial artist noun
- A person who practices a martial art.
Commonly confused: martial arts or marshal?
martial arts vs marshal
A marshal is an official or officer; martial is an adjective meaning related to war or fighting.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'Judo and karate are examples of ___.'
Choose one answer.
When talking about more than one system in general, use the plural 'martial arts'. 'A martial art' is singular and would need a singular verb, which doesn't fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “martial arts”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.