How do I choose the right Martial Arts for me?

Not a question that comes up often, but when it does, it can be the most perplexing... Simply because your reason‘s may be different to everyone else’s.

So, depending on what is important to you... There some ideas on what to look for or check out when choosing a martial Art... In no particular order. As it depends on what is important to you... I will highlight my top three considerations.

By the way there are over 20 main stream martial arts disciplines and probably hundreds more unpopular or confined to different parts of the world... Don’t be alarmed by this, as you’ll see, the cards are in your hands.

Things to consider.

·         What do you want to achieve, what is your goal or vision for Martial Arts?

·         What is your ‘Why’... The reason you decided to or are thinking of doing Martial arts? (In some cases, it might be the answer to the first question).

·         What you would like or enjoy doing the most, once you have looked at a few different types? It may be worth looking at this from a short and long term perspective.

·         Your ‘body type’ can be a reason for or against a particular Martial Art. But before you read too much into this one, remember, getting involved in a martial art where you feel you are not naturally talented for can mean you actually develop that part of your body, because you are in effect, predisposed to using it in that style.

Body type’s (not exhaustive). Think:
 

v  Fast and Flexible,

v  Solid and strong,  

v  All round flexibility (whole body),

v  Upper or lower body flexibility,

v  Any combination of the above.

·         Your location, proximity to the different Martial Arts centres can play a role in your choice...

·         Time flexibility, for you, the Sensei, the classes and the organisation itself (rules).

·         Go and take a look, watch a class in action or take part. You can do this for a few different styles to see what rings true for you. Failing that, you can watch online.

·         Ask a Friend, Neighbour or acquaintance who is involved to give you the pros and cons.

These are some of the main considerations when choosing a Martial Art. I’m sure you can find more that are unique to your situation... Hope this has got you started on the right track.

Ultimately.

If the ultimate aim of martial arts is to the development of the character of the participant... Then in most style’s, you’ll have a say in the direction you want to take your learning, training or expertise, once you have gone through the belts and become a black belt.

This is really where your journey begins... Therefore choosing a martial Art should definitely include a long term perspective.

Follows is a list of some of the more main stream styles of Martial arts:

•   Karate
•   Kung fu
•   Taekwondo
•   Muay Thai
•   Judo
•    Capoeira
•   Jujitsu
•   Ninjitsu
•   MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
•   Wing Chun
•   Aikido
•   Kick boxing
•   Brazilian Jujitsu
•   Kempo
  

As you can see there are quite a few, some very similar, while others are totally different in their nature, some use weapons and some don’t.

With this guide you’ll be better equipped to decide the one for you... Good luck.