Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

I started learning about safety at an early age when my dad would teach me Judo techniques in his spare time. I've always been interested in martial arts and when I was young, would often fantasize about flying kicks and breaking bricks. As I got older, I wanted to turn my dreams into something real. I decided that I wanted to study martial arts formally. I then ventured into the world of martial arts to find out what I really wanted to get into.

If you'd like to start looking around for a martial art, try following the steps I took. They really helped me evaluate my options.

Step By Step

1. What do you want to do?

• Grappling
• Kicking
• Punching
• Boxing
• Jumping
• Hard Movement
• Soft Movement
• Weapons

Of course you can combine any skills listed above. A lot of martial art disciplines teach multiple skills.

2. Why do you want to learn?

• Exercise
• Recreation/Hobby
• Sport
• Competition
• Safety and Self Defense
• Special reasons including the neighborhood bully?

Again, do not limit yourself to one reason. I wanted to learn so that I could have a sport I could spend time on as well as learn about safety and self defense.

3. Do you want to learn with a group or alone?

4. Would you like to have a male or female teacher?

5. How much time are you willing to dedicate?

After answering all these questions, it's time to find a school. Finding a school is easy if you know what your expectations are. I made a list of things I thought were important in a martial arts school.

On my list were the following items:

• Good location
• Accessible to private and public transport (adequate parking)
• Ample space
• Private
• Clean locker and bathroom
• Shower room
• Professional Staff
• Had drinking water
• Has a clinic or first aid station
• Open on weekends with a variety of schedules

After putting together my list of requirements and expectations, I was ready to rumble!

I've since then learned several martial art disciplines. And because I am grateful for all the knowledge I have gained and skills I have honed -- I now teach self defense for women.

My self defense style is a combination of basic concepts from the different martial arts disciplines I've learned.