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Choosing The Right Martial Art

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So you just saw "Never Back Down" (basically the modern version of "Karate Kid") and you want to learn how to kick ass like that - you just don't know where to start. Choosing a martial art and school are not as easy as signing up to your local gym; there are hundreds of styles - if not more - and with each style is a philosophy and strict training regimen. This tip brings you some basic information on how to find what's right for you to help you get started.

First, let's break down some traditional martial arts into categories to give you and idea of what the training might be like. Sorry if I don't include your favorite here...

KARATE: Unfortunately, the word "karate" is used interchangeably with "martial arts", so a lot of times, it doesn't really differentiat the style. Traditionally, karate is a Japanese art of 'stand-up' fighting characterized by strength and power. Kicks are low and powerful, blocks are hard and designed to do damage to the attacker, stances are low and rigid. Movement is straight, deliberate, and efficient. Some weapons training, including staff, kama, nunchaku (yes, that's the correct spelling ;)

KUNG-FU: a Chinese art (also 'stand-up') characterized by grace and fluid motion. Blocks are soft, circular, evasive - designed to go with the momentum of the attacker. Stances are long and graceful. Kicks are almost acrobatic, sometimes requiring similar skills as gymnastics. Many weapons, including some exotic ones such as whip chain, 3-section staff.

JUDO/JUJITSU: Japanese arts focused on grappling, throws/takedowns, choke holds. Those good at wrestling might have the advantage in judo. Arm/leg-bars, wrist & joint control, counter-counter moves are emphasized in jujitsu.

TAE KWON DO: a very popular Korean self-defense art which emphasizes flexibility and strong, high kicks. Also a very efficient art as movements are straight, deliberate and powerful.

There are also lots of modernized martial arts, based on combat training, etc. KRAV-MAGA is one example, based on Israeli commando hand-to-hand combat training.

In recent years (since the UFC began, not coincidentally) MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) schools have popped up everywhere. The typical MMA school will teach techniques combined from the various fighting arts (hence the name MMA), such as standup fighting with punches & kicks, wrestling/judo takedowns, and judo/jujitsu submissions and chokes. And lot's of conditioning.

Still confused? Don't worry, it's justified. I've been around martial arts for over two decades and these are my own observations and trust me, I'm still amazed and confused about the vast variety out there. So now that we have some basic categories, what do we do next? My advice is: CHECK IT OUT! If there's a school near you, go to it and speak with the head instructor (or at least a lead instructor). Ask questions, ask for demonstrations, ask about weapons, etc. Many of them will offer a "free introductory lesson" - keep in mind that it's a sales pitch in the form of a lesson, but it will give you an idea of what the training is about and how the instructor interacts with students. Definitely just sit and watch a few classes to gauge the quality and quantity of the instruction for yourself. Some will have weapons training, some will have fighting/sparring, some will be heavily self-defense... some will have all of the above!

Also, don't get turned off simply by the name of the school. For example, don't pass up looking at a school named "Joe's Karate" because you are more interested in kung-fu. Many schools will combine techniques with other styles to offer a more well-rounded cirriculum. Or, they may even offer seminars with guest instructors from other styles to teach a particular class.

Some "hidden" features to look for:

- Tournaments: some schools require tournament participation to advance. If you are not a tournament-type person or the added expense is not in your budget, it might not be right for you.

- "Black Belt Club": a common marketing technique or program that has an additional cost for you to earn a black belt. Black belt club members will get additional training, but you need to be aware of the higher committment level and cost.

- Discipline/heirarchy: There are differing levels of 'heirarchy' ranging from very informal to very formal. If you have a problem with authority, then you might have trouble being required to pay respects to higher ranking students or instructors.

I could go on and on... I think the main points to this tip are: realize that all martial arts schools are different and the one you choose should match you; before committing any cash, pay a few visits to the school you are interested in. One thing most schools have in common: building speed, flexibility, strength, and confidence!

If I missed something and you still have questions, please ask in the comments below.

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Creator: plucky
Category: General/Other
Posted: 3/17/2008

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