What makes a martial art an art?

 

For the sake of this discussion:

• Fighting is defined as hand-to-hand combat between two people.
• Martial fighting is defined as fighting for the purpose of warfare.
• Art is defined as skills that permit artistic expression.

Therefore, a martial art is a system of martial fighting that permits artistic expression and is practiced as a method of self-defense or as a sport. 

Not all fighting systems are martial (Judo is purely a sport and has no connection to warfare), not all fighting systems are arts (boxing and wrestling are not considered arts), and not all martial fighting systems are martial arts (Navy Seal and Marines Recon fighting systems are not arts). Therefore, just because something involves fighting, it does not mean it is a martial art, and just because something involves martial fighting, it does not make it a martial art.

Just because a person fights or uses martial art techniques, it does not mean that the person using a martial art nor does it mean that the person is a martial artist. Anyone may use a martial art technique and anyone may call what they do a martial art, but that does not make it so.