martial art
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martial art
A traditional form of physical combat practiced according to fixed rules as a sport, for self-defense, or as a meditative exercise. Examples include karate, judo, or taekwondo.
Er trainiert seit seiner Kindheit eine asiatische Kampfkunst.
He has been training in an Asian martial art since childhood.
The word is made up of 'der Kampf' (fight/combat) and 'die Kunst' (art). So it literally means 'the art of fighting' and emphasizes the aesthetic and disciplined side of combat.
Viele Kampfkünste haben eine lange philosophische Tradition.
Many martial arts have a long philosophical tradition.
Typical verbs used with 'Kampfkunst' (martial art) are 'ausüben' (to practice), 'trainieren' (to train), 'lernen' (to learn), or 'beherrschen' (to master).
Sie übt seit fünf Jahren eine japanische Kampfkunst aus.
She has been practicing a Japanese martial art for five years.
'Kampfkunst' (martial art) is an umbrella term for many different disciplines. The word is often used when speaking about the general idea without naming a specific type such as karate or judo.
In diesem Studio werden verschiedene asiatische Kampfkünste angeboten.
This studio offers various Asian martial arts.
self-defense
'die Selbstverteidigung' and 'die Kampfkunst' can both have to do with techniques that allow you to protect yourself physically. 'Selbstverteidigung' emphasizes the practical defense against an attack. 'Kampfkunst' is broader: it can include sport, fixed traditions, exercises, discipline, and sometimes meditation as well. Learners may confuse the words because some martial arts are also learned for self-defense. When it is about a specific danger or protective techniques, 'Selbstverteidigung' is more precise. When it is about a traditional form of practice like karate or taekwondo, 'Kampfkunst' fits better.
Karate ist für viele Menschen nicht nur Sport, sondern auch eine Kampfkunst.
For many people, karate is not just a sport, but also a martial art.
Omar hat im Kurs gelernt, wie wichtig ruhiges Verhalten bei der Selbstverteidigung ist.
In the course, Omar learned how important calm behavior is in self-defense.