Is Boxing considered a Martial Art? A look at one of the oldest fighting methods on earth

Although some traditional martial artists may sneer at Boxing, it is actually one of the oldest forms of fighting on earth and dates back to ancient Greece. In fact, it was used in the early Olympic games in Greece and was also found to be used in other ancient civilizations such as India and Iraq. Typically, people think of ancient Greek wrestling, but it should also be known that Boxing was around during this era too.

In more recent times, Boxing made a revival in England during the 16th century. Here, Boxers would fight for money which is where the term ‘prize fighting’ was birthed from. Perhaps this legacy harmed the image of Boxing in the long term as it didn’t have the mystique of far Eastern influence that most forms of martial arts have. Instead, Boxing was seen as effective yet brutal. This brings us to the main question of Boxing, can it be considered a martial art? Below we shall look into answering the question that is sometimes asked by those wondering.

Reasons why Boxing isn’t a martial art

One of the main indicators of a martial art is the mental aspects that are related to the activity. For instance, in most far Eastern martial arts, there’s a distinct line between the physical side of training and the spiritual side. For example, if you look at Aikido it is steeped in the belief in self-improvement. In short, the idea is that you can simultaneously improve your physical conditioning and technique, alongside your mentality. Not only found in Aikido, but this is often the way of many martial arts which hold beliefs of becoming a better person through physical training and the discipline that the art brings.

However, this side of training isn’t really apparent in Boxing. For whatever reasons, Boxing doesn’t preach these benefits. Of course, Boxing does provide mental discipline and can put your ego in check. The difference is, that historically Boxing doesn’t really shout about it as much. Another issue with Boxing and becoming a better person is that sometimes you can see cocky, famous Boxers who are a million miles away from this philosophy. In short, they come across as arrogant and flashy to sell tickets and improve their income.

Traditional martial arts doesn’t have an economy or culture like this so its practitioners will often stay grounded.
With this said, it’s not a black and white issue. You could argue that the vast majority of Boxers are good people whose lives benefit from the mental and physical aspects of the art. However, you could also argue that due to its promotion, it also breeds arrogance which is definitely not a trait known in martial arts. Regardless, it’s safe to say that Boxing as a culture didn’t do itself any favors by preaching the mental benefits which were spread greatly by more traditional arts and marketed better.

Reasons why Boxing is a martial art

So far, we’ve stated that Boxing isn’t as big on the spiritual side of development as other martial arts. Not only this but in some cases, its users can gain negative traits due to the fame that it brings. However, does this mean it isn’t a martial art? Well, not really. As mentioned, it still offers many physical and mental benefits. Unlike some martial arts, Boxing is typically geared toward poor, working-class males who need a positive outlet. Therefore, it installs discipline, work ethic, and drive which are all parts of the mental side of training. If you begin with a lazy kid with no work ethic, they may eventually form a positive training routine that can be used as a blueprint to enhance their life in other areas.

Not only does Boxing improve your mentality, but it also improves the physical areas of your body too. It’s quite obvious that Boxing will help build and tone muscle, enhance cardio and help lose fat. As martial arts are based around improving your body and getting in shape, Boxing definitely ticks the boxes on this one and can definitely be considered a martial art.

Another, related part of physical improvement is the self-defense aspects that Boxing brings. As most forms of martial arts are based around self-defense, the same can be said for Boxing. As it happens, Boxing is arguably one of the better forms of self-defense. Basically, it can help fight multiple attackers and provide techniques such as footwork, dodging, and head movement to increase your chance of winning a fight. Sound familiar? These traits are often taught in conventional martial arts such as Karate, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. With this said, it would be harsh to judge Boxing against these arts and claim that physically it was vastly different. In terms of fighting, Boxing has and always will be a great asset to anyone willing to learn.

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So, is Boxing a martial art then or not?

Overall, it could be argued from both sides that Boxing is or isn’t a martial art. However, looking at the available evidence, it’s fair to say that it probably is a martial art. If judging a martial art based on physical and mental progression, as well as self-defense aspects then Boxing is certainly in the same bracket as many other arts.

However, the only thing that makes it different is that sometimes its practitioners aren’t as big on the mental side of things when compared to other arts. Nonetheless, this seems to be nit-picking and could be applied to other arts. For example, you can find certain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners who are great at the physical side of the art, without this carrying over to their personality.

There’s also the argument going back to its London roots that Boxing had its reputation tarnished at some point. In short, it was viewed as brutal and barbaric whereas other martial arts marketed themselves as calm and more artistic. Visually, the bare chest can be seen as more primal compared to the most sophisticated gi’s found in other arts.

Elsewhere, the image of a boxing gym can be seen as a bit rough, whereas conventional martial arts dojos are more polished and clean. It’s all based on image but when stripped back, Boxing has more in common with traditional martial arts than it doesn’t. With this said, it’s fair to say that Boxing probably is a martial art and is deserved of its place.

Final Thoughts

Whilst many people won’t care and it’s only a label, overall the above hints that Boxing can be considered a martial art. Although its image is more raw compared to other arts, it still has the main pillars of martial arts which run through it as a central theme. At its core, it helps improve individuals and helps them prepare for combat and tough situations. Coupled with its ancient roots, you could even go as far as to say that Boxing was one of the first martial arts to appear which may be to the annoyance of some.

In summary, Boxing has not only stood the test of time but is as legitimate as any other form of fighting. It also offers many of the positives found in traditional martial arts and is less pretentious about its image. With this said, you could even make a claim that Boxing is a very pure form of martial arts which deserves more recognition and respect where certain critics are concerned.