The most common reason for training that I hear is that people want to have fun and get in better physical condition, whether that is losing weight, getting stronger or just getting more active. Martial Arts are a great way to get in shape and can be really fun to learn. It will improve endurance, strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, balance, and helps with overall stress levels.
While all martial arts training involves some amount of physical training, these styles are great to try for overall physical fitness:
Self Defence
The second most common reason for studying Martial Arts is self defence; a very valid and important reason for learning. The following arts certainly aren't the only ones who teach self defence, but they are known to have self defence as their main focus:
Interested in Traditional or Cultural Arts
Full Contact/Combat Sports/MMA
Thanks to an increased presence in movies and television, a rapidly growing reason for training is for the flashy and acrobatic "Xtreme" Martial Arts, which combines martial basics with difficult jump kicks, flips and speedy hand combinations, done primarily for competitions. Schools that have a sport focus usually teach either a traditional or modified version of a traditional art, and simply have more of a sport focus than other schools. While competition is probably not the main feature of these schools, it can be a large part of what they do. Sport or Competition schools will teach things like traditional and creative forms or Kata’s, gymnastics or trick Martial Arts techniques as well as light to medium contact sparring. Some styles where you will see this focus include:
A new breed of schools created specifically for teaching sport martial arts, run mostly by current or former champions. Hard to find, but they are certainly out there.
Choosing a Martial Arts School doesn't have to be complicated. Once you know what you want to get out of your training, you are half way there. These steps will guide you through the process from researching to signing up.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Enough time to call and visit the Schools of your choosing.
1. Decide what you want to get out of Martial Arts training.
2. Choose a style
Every style has something unique to offer, you analyze which martial arts style might best suit you.
3. Decide which kind of School will suite you
Research
Check out their websites
How many Instructors at a School or Academy?
How many junior students have made it to 2nd Mon, 1st Mon or Cadet Black Belt status?
All Martial Art Schools loose a small % of students along the way but if a School has little or no junior high ranks ask why?
Do you love Japanese or Chinese culture and traditions? Do you just want to get in shape and have some fun? Decide which of these best describes your ideal school.
4. Its time to start training
The easiest place to start is the local yellow pages and of course the Internet. Make a list of the schools that teach the style you are interested in, and make an appointment to go check it out. Don't worry about taking any introductory classes just yet. Visit the schools to get a first impression and see if it is a place you are interested in.
5. Schedule an Introductory Lesson.
Call the schools you really liked. Don't be afraid to ask for one free lesson. Even schools who don't advertise a free lesson will usually give you one if you request it, or at least offer a low cost, very short term introductory program (usually one week for £10 - £20). Be wary of schools that refuse. You wouldn't buy a car without test-driving it, so why would you commit to a martial arts school without at least trying a class?
6. Still interested?
By now you should have a pretty good idea of which school is most appealing to you. Decide if you are still really interested in Martial Arts training and willing to commit to lessons for at least one year minimum.
7. Ask about all costs, not just tuition.
When enrolling in the school of your choice, be sure to ask about any extra fees in addition to tuition (testing fees, organisation memberships, required fundraising etc). Depending on the school, you may have to pay a registration fee that can range anywhere from £55 to £250, depending on the total cost of the program. You will also most likely have to buy your uniform and possibly some shoes.
8. Congratulations!
You are by this point ready to enrol as a beginner in Martial Arts. You have begun training in something that can offer you tangible skills, fitness, fun, camaraderie and a lifetime of interesting stories to tell. Train hard, train smart and enjoy!
I hope you found this article informative and helpful.
