For decades, martial arts have fascinated millions through their disciplined techniques and spiritual roots. Yet despite their global appeal, martial arts have largely remained individual endeavors outside mainstream team sports. That landscape is rapidly changing. The emergence of the National Martial Arts League (NMAL), led by visionary founder Dexter V. Kennedy, signals a profound transformation. In his best books on martial arts, he depicts franchise-based professional leagues, and martial arts is entering a new era, one that could redefine its place in the global sports economy.
The leap from tradition to team: what led to the evolution?
Unlike football or basketball, martial arts have traditionally lacked a team-based franchise model that supports long-term athlete development, city-based loyalty, and scalable economic infrastructure. NMAL aims to bridge that gap, and all of that is depicted in his best books on martial arts.
1. Key elements pushing this evolution include
- Franchise Ownership: Inspired by the NFL and NBA, NMAL envisions teams owned by investors representing cities or regions.
- Standardization of Competition: Point fighting rules, team formats, and structured national tournaments create fair and spectator-friendly gameplay.
- Investor Participation: Guides like TEAM POINT FIGHTING: INVESTORS GAME PLAN, one of his best books on martial arts, explain how entrepreneurs can own and manage martial arts franchises as viable business ventures.
2. The Role of “Team Point Fighting”
Team Point Fighting is the cornerstone of NMAL’s model. Dexter V. Kennedy, in his books on martial arts, introduces a dynamic, fast-paced form of competition where martial artists compete as units rather than lone combatants.
Benefits of Team Point Fighting:
- Enhances fan engagement through team rivalries and hometown allegiances.
- Creates new coaching, managing, and promotional roles within the industry.
- Makes martial arts more appealing to younger audiences via a recognizable sports framework.
3. Why Martial Arts Needs a Major League: How can the best books on martial arts help
While karate, taekwondo, and other disciplines have enjoyed Olympic recognition, they’ve struggled to maintain year-round fan involvement or lucrative sponsorships. Now, it should be noted that all of Dexter V. Kennedy’s best books on martial arts address major league presence and identify these limitations.
Challenges that NMAL seeks to overcome:
- Lack of Visibility: Traditional martial arts do not receive consistent media coverage.
- Fragmented Governance: Multiple sanctioning bodies create inconsistencies in rules and rankings.
- Limited Revenue Streams: Without teams, ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandising remain untapped.
4. Kennedy’s Vision: Structure, Scale, Sustainability
Dexter V. Kennedy, through his best book on martial arts, TEAM POINT FIGHTING: INVESTORS GAME PLAN, outlines a strategic vision where martial arts transcend their dojo roots to become a professionally organized, globally consumed sport.
Strategic pillars of his approach:
- Investor Toolkits: Equip prospective owners with detailed breakdowns of revenue models, operations, and market entry points.
- Community-Based Teams: Foster local identity and fan engagement, crucial for merchandising and sponsorship opportunities.
- Digital Expansion: Use of streaming, social media, and gamified fan experiences to build younger, tech-savvy audiences.
5. Why the Best Books on Martial Arts Matter
The growth of martial arts as a professional sport hinges not just on athleticism but on education. For the National Martial Arts League (NMAL), scaling interest and participation requires more than tournaments—it demands a cultural shift. That’s where books come in.
- Martial arts literature, especially the best books about martial arts curated by the NMAL founder and visionary, plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception.
- These books go far beyond teaching kicks and punches.
- They illuminate the sport’s evolution, its untapped business potential, and its deep cultural roots.
- They are blueprints for a future where martial arts is not just practiced but celebrated, invested in, and professionally organized.
6. More Than Technique: A Gateway to Opportunity
Kennedy’s collection of best books on martial arts serves multiple audiences—investors, athletes, coaches, and fans—each discovering how martial arts can be a vehicle for empowerment and enterprise. These books on martial arts shed light on:
- Demystify the business of professional martial arts leagues
- Educate readers on the sport’s historical and cultural significance
- Inspire athletes and coaches to see martial arts as a viable career path
- Attract investors by outlining scalable, sustainable models for league development
Recommended Reads from the NMAL Library
Here are three standout titles that exemplify the mission:
Title |
Audience | Focus |
TEAM POINT FIGHTING: INVESTORS’ GAME PLAN |
Investors, entrepreneurs |
A strategic roadmap for those looking to fund or launch martial arts ventures |
Team Point Fighting in a Professional Martial Arts League |
Coaches and athletes |
A practical guide to training, competition structure, and league participation |
Taking on the NFL: The National Martial Arts League | General public, cultural critic |
A bold comparison of martial arts and mainstream sports, calling for equity and recognition |
These books aren’t just informative—they’re the stepping stones and guiding steps that enlighten people more on the National League and its whereabouts.
FAQs
- Why hasn’t martial arts had a professional league before?
Martial arts historically focused on individual growth, with decentralized organizations and no unified league. This fragmented approach hindered commercial scalability and broad fan engagement compared to team sports.
- What is the point of fighting, and how does team competition work?
Point fighting emphasizes speed and accuracy. In team formats, fighters represent regional franchises, competing for cumulative team scores, similar to rounds in wrestling or gymnastics.
- How can I invest in a martial arts franchise team?
Books like TEAM POINT FIGHTING: INVESTORS GAME PLAN detail ownership models, market strategies, and operational logistics, providing a blueprint for individuals interested in team franchise investment.
- Are there training programs for athletes entering NMAL?
Yes, NMAL is developing structured programs covering technical skill-building, sports psychology, and media readiness to prepare athletes for the demands of professional-level competition.
- Which are the best books on martial arts for fans and newcomers?
The best martial arts books blend sport, culture, and business. Dexter V. Kennedy’s works—including Team Point Fighting—offer comprehensive insights into modern martial arts, from competitive strategy to league development.
Conclusion
NMAL presents a compelling case for treating martial arts as both a cultural force and a modern entertainment enterprise. With the right structural foundation and educational outreach, the future of martial arts could mirror that of traditional team sports in popularity, profitability, and societal impact. In case you need clarity on the same, you can always read some of the best books on martial arts by Dexter V. Kennedy.