Dave Lowry maintains that not all so-called 'martial arts' are actually martial arts.
'Martial art' literally refers to a combat system that has been tried in battle/used by professional warriors/soldiers.
Such an art was intended for self defence and the training methods should reflect this.

A lot of contemporary arts are 'fighting arts'.
They may have been designed as a sport, or for their aesthetic value.
e.g. modern tai chi is often merely performance art.
A fighting art may be very functional and effective, but (strictly speaking) it is not a martial art.