Why do most western fights (e.g. wrestling, swordplay) seem like 2 bodies smooshing into eachother while eastern fighting (e.g. martial arts, fist fights) look compartmentalized and light?
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Western martial arts were more centered around being stronger than your opponent. They wrestled. Boxers squared off and hit each other in the head until one gave up. To be a man was to be strong and overpower your opponent. The struggle was your strength against theirs.
Eastern martial arts were more focused on the mastery of a skill. You devoted yourself to your art. So you showed off by demonstrating how your movements and distinctive school fought and could win against others. The struggle was your skill against theirs.
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