For those beginners just entering the world of Martial arts, there are some facts to consider before diving right in. When it comes to Martial arts, there are a wide variety of systems to study from. If you are considering studying a particular discipline, but you do not know which one to choose, consider the following suggestions that will help you discover how to choose a Martial art that is right for you.
Ask ¨Why?”
First, you must ask your self why you want to study Martial Arts in the first place. Is it to increase physical ability or agility, to garner mental strength and focus, or to learn self-defense? The type of Martial art that will suit you best will depend on the reason behind why you want to learn. Take some time to consider the following points, before you pick your practice.
Determine Your Goals
After you know WHY you want to study, you need to discover WHAT you hope to achieve from learning a Martial art. It is true that everyone from children to the elderly can practice Martial arts, however, not every discipline is suitable for everyone. Consider what your objectives are, as this will help you determine how to choose a Martial art.
For instance, maybe your career choice right now requires you to be in difficult situations where you may need to protect yourself, so your focus for picking a Martial art is self-defense. For example, Krav Maga may be right for you, as it is a Martial arts discipline, as well as a self-defense system that was developed in Israel by their security forces. Many consider this method to be a good street fighting system, as it teaches you three of the basic and most important techniques (striking, grappling and wrestling) and it focuses on the ability to defend yourself against an attack with strong counterattacks.
Like any goal, it is important that you make them realistic and make sure that your goals are in line with your reason(s) why.
Pinpoint Your Fitness Level and Physical Limitations
Consider your current physical condition, as one discipline does not require the same physical demands as another. When choosing a Martial art, you have to know what you are capable of and also what you are willing to take on physically. If you are looking to increase your flexibility and flow as well as overall health, then Taichi might be for you. Additionally, Taichi is very good for those with chronic arthritis and stiff joints, usually found in the elderly.
If you are in good physical condition but are looking for something with more groundwork, or for something that involves more punching, kicking and grappling then perhaps you will be interested in MMA. It is also important to consider if you want something that involves full contact with the adversary such as Muay Thai, or if ¡you want to avoid full contact, then an option would be Aikido.
Overall, any form of Martial Art will help you to get into great physical condition, providing you get clear on your limitations and what kind of physical interaction you are comfortable with.
Do Your Research
To summarize, do as much research as possible surrounding the various types of Martial Arts available to you. Researching the schools, clubs and teachers around you, will help you determine which one to choose, as they may only teach certain disciplines, hence limiting your choice. It´s important for you to be able to easily get to your club or school, as Martial arts require a significant amount of discipline and commitment. Many schools will be happy to have you try a class or two, for free, so you can see if you like it.
We suggest watching a class as well, so you can get a feel of the teacher and the students. Another good tip for your research are the popular online forums, where you’ll get an unbiased idea of what style to study depending on your goals, and you’ll also find reviews of local schools.
There is no sole specific practice for each individual. Many Martial Artists practice more than one discipline. These are just some of our initial guidelines to help you get started on your journey!
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