What makes a martial artist?

Honestly I would say it is a combination of many factors. Just taking a martial art, in my eyes, does not make a person a martial artist. Here are some of my thoughts on this:

1 - If a person spends at least 10 years with a single system and Sensei then they understand honor and discipline plus will have gained true knowledge of the foundation of the martial arts.

2 - Not real sure on the famous instructor aspect because I know and train with some guys who are just as good as the famous ones but a GOOD instructor is important...one that is respected for their knowledge much more than the certificates on their wall which can be bought on ebay anymore.

3 - If a student has developed deep knowledge in a single system and has trained that to the level of natural thought then they are touching on being a martial artist.

4 - When the student realizes that respect is not based on fighting ability or flashy techniques but rather true knowledge, dedication and honor then they are ready to be termed a martial artist.

5 - If the student is dedicated and honorable and will learn from the same primary instructor as long as that instructor lives then they understand the term Giri, or obligation, and are a martial artist.

Please note that sport martial arts, modern martial arts, mixed martial arts, self defense conceptual systems (krav maga and others) are all among the things that are not included here since most of these people could not handle the items listed. But this is all my opinion and honestly I just do my own thing. I don't care if another thinks what I do is wrong or right. I do not care if another thinks some system is superior. To me the martial arts are a way of living peacefully and helping people through teaching them...it has nothing to do with anything other daily training ,dedication, honor and discipline with me...but that is just my 31 years of watching them evolve into their modern buy your black belt anywhere and claim what you want manner.

Sorry went off a little bit there but I love what I live to do and that is the martial arts and hate that people are so misdirected on what they are about today. Nice question though.

There is no exact answer . Everybody is different . Some people can study martial art life long and stay beginners , some may just find a way to be martial artists .

This is not only physical skills , amount wooden board broken or won competitions or number of black belts .

As you see this is an ART so must be some soul part involved also .

Studding Asian culture may help a lot , respect to people , nature , balance and harmony with World . Some people reach this point combine martial art with Buddhism .

How long makes a martial artist -you asked ? .....I do not know answer .

It could be all of the above or not all of the above. A martial artist transcends beyond just technique and trophies and belts. The consummate martial artist is one who has devoted their time and effort into their craft, developing an understanding that is so deep and profound he can connect that knowledge with everyone and everything around him. Like a chess tactician, the martial artist can see ten steps ahead, formulate logical and intelligent decisions without sacrificing integrity or position. The martial artist is certainly skilled and has the ability to demonstrate that, but exercises restraint and control even during the face of stress. In other words, the martial artist utilizes the true source of his power - choice.

A real martial artist does not have to be a good fighter, but a guy whose skills really can be called outstanding and an art. So you see they are amazing artists, regarding physical (and psychical) abilities, athleticism and technical skills also. But traditional martial arts really are often not too much about fighting at all. Excuse my english, I´m german

Excellent question.

I believe a martial artist is someone who trains in martial arts and loves them. Where they train, how long they've trained, what techniques they know, etc. are all irrelevant. If they study them, and they love them, they're a martial artist.

Being a martial artist and being a good martial artist are two completely different things.

A martial artist is.

The meaning of life is to live.

To be, one must do.

To be real, one must be authentic.

A martial artist is.

I believe a martial artist is one who goes out of his way to practice and gain knowledge of the martial art. This may not be only the one he/ she specializes in, but also any other art.

A martial artist not only tries to perfect the physical aspects of martial arts, but also the mental and spiritual. A real martial artist not only makes time to perfect their art, but also makes time to be with their family. This also involves trying to share their art with someone else.

A martial artist also doesn't try to mimic others(ex: Bruce Lee, Tony Jaa, Jackie Chan) but tries to express their self through the art. Also, they learn martial arts to defend their self in the most effective way possible while trying to prevent their self from seriously hurting the attacker.

EDIT:

I don't think your ethnicity has anything to do with it.

A good instructor helps, but just because he/she may be a good martial artist, doesn't necessarily mean they are a good teacher. also, their views on being a martial artist may be different from yours(such as learning to compete, or learning to express thyself).

(also may some grammar corrections)

EDIT:

Also with how long, how do you measure forever?

A martial artist varies on many different definitions. It's like the artist with his paint brush and he creates his own shades of colors. On a canvas, he can be aggressive with hot colors. He can be soft, graceful, and careful... with cool colors, or he can be both. Maybe even shapeless and abstract. Perhaps just a splash of everything.

Words can't describe it, as they say.

To me, a martial artist is one who is adaptable, humble, and strong not only in fists or shins but the unison of mind, body, and spirit. He trains seriously but he doesn't seriously train. That quote from Bruce Lee can be interpreted as, train hard but also have fun as if it were the same passion you began martial arts with.

That being said, a martial artist can be the same as an engineer or marine biologist. It's a title or a color-coded belt. I say this because you become a martial artist when you don't say that you're a Martial-Artist. Words can't interpret the feeling of this inspirational journey nor can years interpret the title "martial artist."

That is my belief, you can take it or leave it as it is. :)

-Cheers.

LOL, about the "how long" and such were more hypothetical! Good one.

I believe, the one who's devoted his/her life to that discipline or a group of MA thus has improved the ability in his/her morals, mental and physics and in result has a great understanding of MA.

Not necessarily being ''a master'' or must have ''the black belt'', nor ethnicity or country of origin, to be called a martial artist.

A martial Artist is someone that has dedicated themselves to a lifetime of learning martial arts. They must have a passion for it.

Example:

I have trained in boxing. But I am not a boxer. It is not my passion. I'm not committed to boxing even though I enjoy it.

I know boxing is a martial art. But I have a passion for Asian Martial Arts. I have dedicated myself to learning them. It is part of me and my character.