Why Martial Art?

'Martial Art' put quite simply, is the study of conflict, and it's resolution.  The more appropriate question however is:

Why is 'Martial Art' an 'art'?

'Art' requires skill to truly be perceived as a work of 'art'.  An artist, sees that which is unseen--they have a picture, or piece in mind prior, or during the creation of their work...they see, what we cannot.

A 'Martial Artist' is not a mere 'fighter'.  To assume so would be very cosmetic.  It assumes, that a fighter only sees the physical aspects of a fight.  That is not artistic, it is mechanical (If X, then Y--If punch, then Kick).

A 'Martial Artist' is much more than that, they see, the unseen.

A fight, doesn't start at the first punch, it starts much earlier.  It starts, at a thought that becomes a feeling, which inspires a word, and elicits an action.

The skill of a Martial Artist does not lie in the attack that follows a word.  The skill, is found in the spaces before the punch is thrown.  Martial Art, exists in the spaces one cannot see.  A Martial Artist therefore, is one who understands the path of conflict, and adapts accordingly.

This is the skill of fighting, before the fight happens.