Choosing a Martial Art? Here's how to make the right choice for You!

Choosing a martial art is tough!

You want to make the right choice but there's so much information out there...

How do you know what's right for you and your family?

On this page we help you choose a martial art that's right for You. And we help you decide which school is right for You.

Choices.. Choices.. Choices..

There's upright (standing up) martial art styles like taekwondo and karate.

There's throwing arts judo and hapkido.

There's grappling arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu

There's mixed martial arts (MMA)...

The list goes on and on...

How do you even start with choosing a martial art that's right for you?

Here's the secret...

If you are a beginner the style of martial art you choose is NOT the most important thing.

Really?...

Yes... really!

All the traditional martial arts are good.

• They are all based on ancient systems. Systems tried and tested over 1000s of years.
• They all get you fit.
• They all test you.
• They all strengthen you.
• They all teach you to defend yourself.
• They all help you grow.

So if choosing a martial art style isn't the most important thing... What is?

As a beginner the most important decision you make is...

Choosing a martial art school that's right for you.

These are the things that matter...

Do you like the head instructor?

Can you approach and talk to them?

Do they listen to you, look you in the eye, and answer your questions?

Or is it just one long sales pitch?

Do the instructors genuinely care about their students?

Do they take time to nurture them?

Or do they constantly show off and make their students look small?
(note: instructors will show off at times to inspire their students and that's fine.)

Do the students in the club seem happy and relaxed? Are they comfortable and confident around their teacher? Or do they look fearful?

Is the school convenient for you? Is it close to home? Can you walk there or park nearby? Do the class times work for you?

Chances are that in years to come there will times that you don't feel like training.
If you have to drive for an hour, or leave work early to make class, then you're more likely to quit.

Do you think you can relate to the people already training at the club?

Are there students your own age or your kids ages.

Having mates to train with is important. It's hard to be the only 40 something in a class of teenagers.

Or the only teenager in a class of 40 somethings...

Is the system of training based on traditional martial arts?

Is there an emphasis on martial arts values like respect, discipline, perseverance and self-control? Or is it just about combat?

The traditional values of martial arts are a vital component of your training. The more you train the more you appreciate this.

So what do you do now?

Just make a start.

Ring round the schools in your area. Go and see them. Ask yourself all the questions above.

Then choose the school that feels right....

And start training.

Don't worry too much about where it's all leading. Or whether this is the martial art you will do forever.

Just train and the future will take care of itself.

You can't join the dots of your journey when you start. You can only join the dots when you look back.

And later in your journey, once you have a solid base in one art. You can branch out into others to compliment your skills.

And that way you keep growing.

And what about you?
Could you help someone who's choosing a martial art?

Have you trained in different martial arts or at different schools?

Or do you own and school and have comments to make?

Do you agree that choosing the right instructor is the most important thing for a beginner to get right?

Would you like to share your story?

It's easy and fun to get involved.
You can have your own page on this site.
And you don't need to login or give a password.

Here's some inspirational martial art experts

go from choosing a martial art to taekwondo-information.org home

helping you grow through martial arts