So you wanna start martial arts training?
Every day, I see many people looking to start or explore the world of the martial arts. Many see martial arts in movies, on TV, at demonstrations and more. Somewhere along the way. They began to ask themselves, can they do martial arts? Is it too hard? But one most important questions amongst many is, what style should they start with? There are hundreds of martial arts styles around the world and many more being created all the time. How is a new person supposed to know how to choose an art? When people ask me, I take them threw a series of questions that I think can help steer them in the right direction.
1. Why are you interested in learning?
Many want to learn martial arts for self-defense, to get into shape, of just for the fun of it. It’s important to know why you want to learn it.
Once they pinpoint the why, then we can answer the what.
2. What’s the commitment level?
When looking to start training at a school, you have to ask yourself, how much time can I commit to training? When you join a school in New York, most membership are a 3, 6 to 1 year commitments. Similar to joining a gym. Once you figure that out, then you are ready for the next step.
3. What are your goals?
After training both kids and adults for over 15 years in the martial arts, I have suggested to the students that they create realistic tangible goals that they can achieve. The goals will help track progress and keep them motivated if they get to the point to where they want to take a break from training.
4. The Arts AKA Style
Martial arts is the general name for all the styles or arts that exist. Think of saying martial arts in the same context as saying the word “Sports”. There are many types of sports around the world, but most choose the sports that they like. That’s the same thing that happens with martial arts. You choose what style you want to do. You can choose a style that has individual teaching with no or minimal crossover with other styles such as Tae Kwon Do or karate. One can choose a hybrid art known as mixed martial arts (MMA) that teaches more than one style together.
Choosing
1. One has to first, see what arts are offered in a certain geographical area that they are willing to travel that comfortable for them.
2. Once the traveling distance have been choses, make a list of all of the schools that are in the geographical area. Remember to take all the contact information that you can about each location.
3. The next step would be to research the style the schools teach, learn a bit about the instructor, check out any social media sites, or websites your desired school has. Be well informed before contacting the school. If the school is teaching a style you never heard of, try to google it, watch links on YouTube or try and find out what you can about the unknown art.
4. Once you have gotten your selected schools, done your research, try and make contact. Most schools offer a free try out. Look online first for new person deals to see if you can get more than just the free tryout.
Written by:
Darryl K. Phipps-
5th Degree Master Black Belt,
2x Martial arts hall of Fame Inductee
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