Which Martial Art is for You?
A Beginners Guide to Choosing the right Martial Art to Practice
Apr 5, 2008
Why train in the Martial Arts?
Everyone at some point in their life has thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to get some exercise whilst learning how to take care of any chump that messes with me.”
These days, with a world full of Martial Arts schools and Masters trying to make a living, a potential student could be overwhelmed with choices when taking the first steps through the dojo doors.
Which Martial Art is for me?
Karate
Karate tends to concentrate on powerful kicks and punches. Depending on which style of Karate you train in, it can also incorporate locking techniques and throws. There is a lot of discipline involved in Karate and the respect for yourself and others in the dojo is most important.
Judo
Judo is a close quarter fighting method using throws and takedowns with chokes and strangles. Judo does involve some rough and tumble so it is very popular with children. If you suffer from brittle bones, it’s worth seeking medical advice before taking up judo.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, it is characterised by high kicks and energetic movements. It is a fast dynamic martial art and will improve things like your flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
Kung Fu
When people think of Kung Fu they think of Bruce Lee and his dramatic fight scenes on TV, however it can also be a soft and gentle martial art. There are many different styles of Kung Fu and you don’t need a high level of fitness to begin training because as you continue to practice your fitness, strength and flexibility will improve.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is the slow performance of a Kung Fu routine whilst performing a meditative breathing pattern. The foundations of Tai Chi are ‘soft overcoming hard’. Anyone can practice Tai Chi, as the movements don’t put your body under stress.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a martial art that is quite literally what it says. You use Boxing skills and combinations as well as elements of Karate such as the kicks. It’s superb for working close range hand techniques as well as middle and long-range kicks. In kickboxing you don’t need to be super fit to start off with, as you train hard your fitness will soon improve.
Hopefully this brief insight in to the vast world of the martial arts will help narrow down your potential selection, however it is always a good idea to scout around for yourself and find an instructor that you feel comfortable with. Also good signs of a proficient and accomplished school of martial arts are beginner schemes such as free trail lessons and ‘beginner only’ sessions.
As you shall soon find in the Martial Arts, it is important to find what works for you, and hopefully this guide helps to narrow down your search. Happy training!
