…but competing with oneself is the essence of Budō.
Often heard question, after someone hears the other doing martial arts, is:
Do you compete?
Surely it is a valid question and an easy one when martial arts are considered as a sport where competing is the essential part of the training routine.
The definition of a “martial art” is rather complex as it can also refer to the so-called “fighting arts” or even to “fighting sport”. Nevertheless, remember that the path is more than just training for competition.
A foreigner teaching karate in Japan has some nice insights on the subject.
Constant studying is what it is.