Throughout the internet, and also elsewhere most definitions and meanings of Martial Arts are not right and highly incomplete. I only found just a few at least somewhere near the actual truth. 

You will frequently find definitions or meanings like –

“various sports, which originated chiefly in Japan, Korea, and China as forms of self-defence or attack, such as judo, karate, and kendo.”

“Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the preservation of a nation’s intangible cultural heritage.”

“Martial art, any of various fighting sports or skills, mainly of East Asian origin, such as kung fu, judo, karate, and kendo.”

And almost all other definitions go equivalent to these ones directly or indirectly. And these all definitions are incomplete and hence not conveying the correct meaning or essence of Martial Arts.

It is true that the very term “Martial” is related to the Roman God “Mars”. He is the God of war and agriculture. Thus something about fight, war, self-defence, combat, etc. are supposed to be related or incorporated in Martial Arts. But that does not completes the list neither anyhow explain or connect to the actual values.

There are a few definitions we can find on the Internet and they are nearer to the actual meaning of Martial Arts. And usually those definitions are from some long practitioners or experts of Martial Arts. 

“The true essence of martial arts is the journey of continuous self-improvement mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually……” [1]

Also written on this site 

“The biggest misconception about martial arts is that it is about violence.”

These lines go much better with the real meaning and essence of Martial Arts. Though there is much more in it and the depth is immeasurable. 

”Martial arts does not focus on fighting or a workout. It’s a journey towards self-improvement of the mind, body and soul through various challenges.”[2]

This is another good line for Martial Arts definitions and essence. And we can see there are a lot of similarities in both the two meanings. 

And as I said, these are just superficial meanings, the actual implications and realisations can be much more than we can actually reach or reveal.