Origins and Background
Unarmed combat is the oldest form of physical conflict because it only requires the body. It is both an art and a science that can be used martially, for sport, or as an expression of individuality or culture. To trace the origin of this form is to trace the history of the human species. Most cultures have their own unique styles, histories and methods of practice with regard to martial arts, but the use of, and training for this form of combat is universally accepted as the foundation from which weapon based styles evolved. Equally, from a theatrical perspective, the history of a staged fight can be traced back to primate display behavior and/or ritualized forms of mock combat.
Today a theatrical unarmed fight is geared, at least in the United States, toward an audience who “know” and “understand” such forms of combat from a saturated media market. The modern viewing audience has come to think the combination of western “cowboy” punch-ups and eastern martial arts as “real” unarmed combat. This has been reinforced time and time again in film and television so that the romantic ideal has become a reality to all but those who box, wrestle, practice martial arts or some other form of practical unarmed combat. While anything may be possible, however, a stage combat instructor or fight choreographer should generally be concerned with theatrical effectiveness rather than true practical application.
Difference between Martial Combat, Sport, Art and Stage Combat
The difference between unarmed stage combat and real combat rests in the techniques employed to maintain the safety of an opponent. While the techniques may be similar in their combination of offensive and defensive skills, and may appear to be identical, the execution is modified to prevent the intention from becoming a reality. The options of any choreographed violence are limited only by safety and the ability of the participants. This is a performance discipline and not a martial art or competition sport.
I. Combat is the application of skill to obtain effective results in an uncontrolled and antagonistic setting
II. Sport is the application of a skill to obtain effective results in a controlled and competitive setting
III. Martial Art is the application of skill where emphasis is placed on form or correct body dynamics that stem from aesthetic purposes rather than effective results
IV. How one studies becomes a defining characteristic of a given style:
A. For sport practice: focus on speed, quick movements
B. For self-defense practice: focus on particular situations and responses to incoming attacks
C. For traditional/martial practice: focus on mental and physical fortitude of passed down curriculum or system
V. The SAFD defines "unarmed" as any form of stage fighting that uses the "natural weapons" of the human body: fists, feet, elbows, knees, etc., rather than weapons. Unarmed techniques may also include techniques of falling, rolling, and wrestling or martial arts type throws. (P&P)
Unarmed combat is the oldest form of physical conflict because it only requires the body. It is both an art and a science that can be used martially, for sport, or as an expression of individuality or culture. To trace the origin of this form is to trace the history of the human species. Most cultures have their own unique styles, histories and methods of practice with regard to martial arts, but the use of, and training for this form of combat is universally accepted as the foundation from which weapon based styles evolved. Equally, from a theatrical perspective, the history of a staged fight can be traced back to primate display behavior and/or ritualized forms of mock combat.
Today a theatrical unarmed fight is geared, at least in the United States, toward an audience who “know” and “understand” such forms of combat from a saturated media market. The modern viewing audience has come to think the combination of western “cowboy” punch-ups and eastern martial arts as “real” unarmed combat. This has been reinforced time and time again in film and television so that the romantic ideal has become a reality to all but those who box, wrestle, practice martial arts or some other form of practical unarmed combat. While anything may be possible, however, a stage combat instructor or fight choreographer should generally be concerned with theatrical effectiveness rather than true practical application.
Difference between Martial Combat, Sport, Art and Stage Combat
The difference between unarmed stage combat and real combat rests in the techniques employed to maintain the safety of an opponent. While the techniques may be similar in their combination of offensive and defensive skills, and may appear to be identical, the execution is modified to prevent the intention from becoming a reality. The options of any choreographed violence are limited only by safety and the ability of the participants. This is a performance discipline and not a martial art or competition sport.
I. Combat is the application of skill to obtain effective results in an uncontrolled and antagonistic setting
II. Sport is the application of a skill to obtain effective results in a controlled and competitive setting
III. Martial Art is the application of skill where emphasis is placed on form or correct body dynamics that stem from aesthetic purposes rather than effective results
IV. How one studies becomes a defining characteristic of a given style:
A. For sport practice: focus on speed, quick movements
B. For self-defense practice: focus on particular situations and responses to incoming attacks
C. For traditional/martial practice: focus on mental and physical fortitude of passed down curriculum or system
V. The SAFD defines "unarmed" as any form of stage fighting that uses the "natural weapons" of the human body: fists, feet, elbows, knees, etc., rather than weapons. Unarmed techniques may also include techniques of falling, rolling, and wrestling or martial arts type throws. (P&P)
Classificaitons
Compiled By Collin Bressie and Zev Steinberg, 2015