Are Fire Fighters Actually Martial Artists?

Just think about it!

Are fire fighters actually martial artists? Huh?

Well, according to the definition of martial arts in general and martial artist in specific that I found on wikipedia, I think the question is justified. Here’s why:

Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat.

While they may be studied for various reasons, martial arts have very similar objectives: to physically defeat other persons and to defend oneself or others from physical threat.

In addition, some martial arts follow a particular code of honor.

Combat, or fighting, is the purposeful violent conflict intended to establish dominance over the opposition.

A practitioner of martial arts is referred to as a martial artist.

So, let me try to dissect the definition and explain where I am going with this.

Martial artists practice and train for combat.

The objective is to defend oneself or others from physical threat.

Combat being the purposeful conflict to establish dominance over the opposition.

Fire fighters practice and train for combat, too.

Their objective is also to defend especially others from physical threat (caused by fire et al).

Their combat or fight is clearly the purposeful conflict to establish dominance over the fire and whatever threats that the fire can cause and/or damage (physical, psychological, material) that can occur.

So, looking at practice, training and objective, let me ask the question again:

Are Fire Fighters Actually Martial Artists?

Maybe you agree or maybe you disagree with the defintion, but a couple of things are for sure:

Fire fighters have to train hard and carry heavy equipment to go into dangerous places and scary situations other people like us try to get out of.

Fire fighters are usually the first ones to arrive at these dangerous places and scary situations.

Let’s all just thank a fire fighter today.

Let my voice be heard: Fire Fighters Rock!

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