Know Yourself Before You Learn Martial Arts
Before you commit yourself to learn martial arts, it is wise that you do a little soul searching. For example, think about the reasons why you want to embark on a martial arts journey. Are you physically fit enough, or is fitness something you want to gain from time spent learning martial arts? Can you afford the time? You will not progress very quickly if you turn up to class once a month having spent weeks out of town on business, or hanging out with friends, or…(insert your own reason here).
So what should you think about before you sign yourself up to learn martial arts?
Why Do I Want To Learn Martial Arts?
The reasons you might want to get involved in the fighting arts can be varied. Perhaps you have an ambition to get super-fit. Many martial arts use exhausting exercises and drills to allow the techniques to become second nature to students. Great for getting fit, and you also get to learn a martial art so that you are able to defend yourself.
On the other hand, you might learn martial arts for their fighting and self-defense aspects as the primary goal. Any extra health and fitness that you get is a welcome bonus.
You might be interested in the culture and customs of a particular country. Maybe you learned to speak the language, and want to get even deeper into it. Again, the secondary benefits will be improved fitness and the ability to defend yourself.
Finally your ambition might be to go into competition and win plaudits and trophies; many martial arts, such as MMA, judo and taekwondo have been modified to arts where you can score points and compete in competition.
Do I Have Any Physical Limitations?
This is very important for determining which style of martial art may suit you. If you are already quite old and want to learn martial arts as a new challenge, you are best advised not to enter mixed martial arts (MMA) or cage-fighting competitions! It would be wiser to consider something like tai chi, which is slower and gentler in its practice, but where there is still a significant martial aspect if used correctly.
Also consider your size and physique; if you are small, you may be better suited to the grappling and locking arts like jujitsu, rather than powerful striking arts like karate or taekwondo. The Chinese martial arts tend to be quite balanced in that they rely on perfect technique, rather than brute force, and can therefore be a good choice for everyone. Baguazhang is a good Chinese one to investigate, combining strikes, locks and throws.
Can I Afford It?
Many would say, “Can I afford not to?” but some martial arts require a great deal of investment in equipment, for example in kendo, where you’ll need to get hold of expensive armour. Set a budget – including cost of lessons, insurance (if required), uniforms, gradings etc – and stick to it.
Do I Really Have The Time?
Only you can answer this. If you want to take learning a martial art seriously, you’ll have to put in the time and effort in order to become proficient. Always remember that you are only taught the techniques in class. You have to train and practise at home to get the maximum benefit.
So if you can give honest and positive answers to these questions, then now it’s time to start looking for a teacher and start to learn martial arts!
Related posts:
- Why Learn Martial Arts?
- Learn Martial Arts Best by Finding a Reputable Teacher
- Choosing a Martial Arts Style
Filed Under Martial Arts | 1 Comment
Tagged With before learning martial arts, fitness, getting fit, health and fitness, improve fitness, judo, learn martial arts, mixed martial arts, physical fitness, self defense, taekwondo, tai chi
Comments
One Response to “Know Yourself Before You Learn Martial Arts”
Leave a Reply
Sponsors
Tags
before learning martial arts black belt discipline fitness getting fit health and fitness improve fitness judo kung fu movies learn martial arts martial art instruction Martial Arts martial arts clubs martial arts dvd martial arts schools martial arts teachers martial skills mixed martial arts physical fitness positive attitude reduce stress self-confidence self defense taekwondo tai chi
Page added on SheToldMe.com…
Your page was featured in SheToldMe.com! Here is the link to vote it up and promote it: http://shetoldme.com/General/Know-Yourself-Before-Learning-Martial-Arts...