Running & Martial Arts Gear

How To Choose A Martial Art

So you’ve decided you want to do a martial art, but don’t know which one to do, lets face it, there are loads to choose from, providing you are lucky enough to live in the right area.

Not something I really had when I was growing up unfortunately, however there does seem to have been a growth in clubs in recent years, and also in styles followed. All that was really known about was karate and judo during my younger years, and all that was available in my area was karate which, unfortunately, was not for me, but then how do you know if it is or isn’t for you?

I believe that this is a very good question as I am of the opinion that you need to deterine why you want to do a martial art in the first place. There are many reasons people have – confidence boost, self-defence, fitness, flexibility, competition etc. All perfectly valid reasons, but different arts will give you different results.

If it is a confidence boost you are seeking, then any of them is more than capable of providing you with such a boost.

If you’re looking at Self-Defence, then JuJitsu is probably the best you’re going to come across. (personal opinion only and other people will no doubt dis-agree, this is what I’ve been studying for many years.) Recently I’ve been talking to some people about Keysi as well, and this seems like it has some good options in this area.

If your’e looking to improve your fitness then some form of karate or taekwondo will be suitable. The same for flexibility, these arts are striking arts with a strong emphasis on kicking, and high kicks, these will give you a good workout and result in increased flexibilty through that repeated high kicking!

If you’re interested in competition, what sort of competition? Is it based on forms? If this is the case then you have various options from, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Karate – it’s a long list. If you are interested in pure grappling, then both Sombo and Judo are a good start. If you are interested in a bit of everything then mixed martial arts and then jujitsu usually works well as a good base and then mix in some thai boxing and you will have a good mix.

So first look at yourself, what you’re capable of, what you want from it and go and try them. You might find one the very first time if you are lucky, hoerver, if you don’t then don’t let it put you off. Let the instructor know what you are hoping to achieve and if they’re honest about their art they’ll be upfront about whether or not they can help you.

One thing to bear in mind whatever you decide, a bad instructor can make a good art bad. Don’t let them put you off, unfortunately there are a few out there who are either just trying to make some fast money or dont have the ability to communicate. I’ve seen this happen and they do so at your expense.

Korean Taekwondo Video