subject: Martial Arts Guide Can Help Beginners Choose A Sport [print this page] Martial arts are one of the oldest forms of athletics known to human culture. The various styles of martial arts taught today have been handed down through centuries because they serve many valuable purposes. Today people study martial arts to get in shape, learn more about other cultures and make new friends.
Choosing among the thousands of martial arts available today can be a confusing challenge for a beginning. A good martial arts guide can help reduce confusion and help someone starting out decide which style will be right for them
Here's a brief martial arts guide to help new practitioners learn the basics of choosing a style to practice. More extensive research may be needed to determine exactly which form of martial arts one wants to practice over a longer term.
Start by learning more about some of the major martial arts. There are several styles that originated in Japan, such as Aikido ("the way of the open hand"), JuJutsu ("the way of yielding"), Karate ("the striking art"), and Judo ("the gentle way"). A Korean martial art, Tae Kwan Do (the art of kicking and punching"), is known for its many fast, spinning kicks. The name Kung Fu has become a general term described all of the dozens of martial arts styles that originated in China.
And while Asian styles are among the most well known, there are also martial arts that have originated in Europe, Africa, South America and the Pacific Islands. Martial arts are truly a global sport.
After a specific martial art has been chosen, it's time to visit a few Dojos (schools) that teach that style. Each school has its own policies about observers, so it's best to call ahead to make an appointment. When visiting, be sure to collected information about tuition, fees and class schedules. A personal visit to a school also enables beginners to get a sense of the school's culture and practices. Feel free to ask lots of questions, including asking to see the teacher's certifications in the chosen style; a reputable sensei will be happy to answer all questions.
Visiting a few Dojos also gives beginners a feel for the practice level of the school in relation to their goals. It's critical to be honest about one's limitations when searching for a martial arts school. Fortunately, there are schools with classes appropriate to every age, strength and ability. There are even schools with classes designed especially for people with special needs, even rehabilitation after a physical injury.
Beginner classes are often the best way to start out at a Dojo, because a newcomer will be learning with other beginners. It can be quite intimidating to join a class where everyone else seems to know everything already. A beginning class levels the playing field for newcomers. It gives beginners an introduction to martial arts in non-threatening ways and allows them to learn philosophy, etiquette and basic moves. Dojos that cater to beginners often are less competitive than other martial arts schools, and so may be a better guide for someone new to the sport.
Finally, it's wise to consider a budget when starting in martial arts. Choosing to attend an Aikido school most likely would cost only tuition and an investment in a white uniform known as a Keiko-Gi. However, joining a school to learn Kendo, a very militant martial art involving staffs and other weapons, would mean buying a suit of armor that can cost as much as $1,000. The differences in these various fighting styles make it a smart choice to consult a martial arts guide before committing to a school.
by: Vikram Kumar
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