This category covers sports and disciplines built around structured fighting skills. In an events context, it includes regulated combat sports (rule-based contests where athletes try to outscore, outmaneuver, submit, or stop an opponent) and martial arts that may be sport-focused, fitness-oriented, self-defense oriented, or ceremonial depending on the tradition and the specific event.
The term "martial arts" is widely used for systems of fighting skills and fighting sports, often associated with traditions such as judo, karate, and kendo, while also being applied across many cultures and modern hybrid systems.
Combat sports are typically contact sports built around one-on-one bouts. Outcomes are commonly decided by points, submission (where allowed), or a safety stoppage such as referee or medical intervention, depending on the rule set and level of competition.
Many events run on timed bouts divided into rounds or periods, with officials controlling the start and stoppage of action and enforcing safety rules. Scoring is based on techniques that meet the sport's criteria (for example, clean strikes, controlled throws, takedowns, pins, or recognized submissions). Weight categories are common in many full-contact and grappling-heavy sports to reduce size disparities, while some formats also offer open-weight divisions. Tournament formats often include single-elimination brackets, repechage (second-chance paths), or pool-to-knockout formats depending on the federation and event scale.
Rule sets define permitted techniques, target areas, grips, boundaries, and the conditions for scoring or winning. Safety measures commonly include sport-appropriate protective equipment, pre-bout checks, medical coverage, and clear stoppage protocols when an athlete cannot safely continue. Officials may include referees (who control the bout), judges (who score), and timekeepers, with event procedures covering warnings, penalties, and disqualifications. Because requirements can differ substantially between amateur, professional, and youth levels, event listings should specify the rule set, competition level, and required equipment.
Many combat and martial-arts sports are organized through international federations and national governing bodies that set competition rules, certify officials, and run championships. Some disciplines also have prominent multi-sport pathways (including Olympic-style formats) with standardized weight categories and qualification systems that differ from professional or promotion-run events.
Elite competitions commonly operate with formal anti-doping programs and results management processes. Event listings typically note the sanctioning context where relevant, especially for high-level championships and professional bouts.
Training across this category typically blends technical practice, conditioning, controlled sparring or drilling, and tactical preparation aligned to the rules of competition. Many martial arts also include curriculum elements such as forms (discipline-specific), etiquette, and rank progression systems, though the presence and style of ranking varies widely by tradition and organization. Event opportunities range from beginner-friendly tournaments and local club shows to international championships and professional promotions, depending on the sport and jurisdiction.
Because small rule differences can change preparation and safety expectations, strong listings state practical details rather than relying on broad labels.