To reap the best benefits from martial arts, they should be taken as long term activities rather than short term.\u00a0 Given this suggestion, one should not just simply walk into the closest martial arts studio and sign up right away without doing some research.\u00a0 Not all martial arts are alike and not all schools or studios are alike either.\u00a0\u00a0 Therefore, it is important to really think about what your own needs are with respect to martial arts training.<\/p>\n
The discussion of which martial art style to take is too extensive for this article.\u00a0 So what I will say here is that there are differences in the various styles of martial arts which may result in some being more suitable for certain individuals compared to others.\u00a0 Do some research on the different styles and do visit the classes of different studios that teach different martial arts if possible.\u00a0 But more important is each individual school’s approach to teaching their martial arts.\u00a0 Many martial arts schools teach only techniques and forms (set routines) that are specific to a traditional style.\u00a0 These schools follow the ways that the original founders of each martial art style developed and they have continued with minimal variance over the years.\u00a0 Other studios like to borrow techniques from a variety of martial art disciplines and integrate a mix into their programs.\u00a0 Some schools are non-traditional and adopt a more open free style system which incorporates traditional martial art techniques with gymnastics and open choreography of forms.\u00a0 There are many clubs that do both traditional and open styles.\u00a0 Each school will claim that their martial art style and method of teaching is superior to others.\u00a0 Prospective students must not take these claims too seriously and choose an approach that would be best suited for them on an individual basis. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Many advertisements for martial arts schools push the backgrounds of their higher ranking instructors as a way to attract students.\u00a0 It is important to realize that the more degrees (or dans) a particular black belt has don’t always mean that the individual is a better instructor.\u00a0 This is the same with instructors who have very successful competition records.\u00a0 There is no correlation to the number of world championship titles won with how good an instructor is.\u00a0 The term ‘master’ should also be taken with caution.\u00a0 A master doesn’t always make an excellent instructor.\u00a0 The teaching style of different instructors can vary.\u00a0 Some use the old Asian masters’ approach where discipline is strictly enforced much like in the military.\u00a0 While general discipline is actually a good attribute to learn from martial arts training, some of the old ways of teaching, particularly reprimanding students vocally or physically for incorrect techniques may be considered a bit harsh for\u00a0 today’s society.\u00a0 This is why it is important to watch classes of prospective martial arts schools you are interested in. You want to see the teaching style of an instructor to determine if it’s a style that would be compatible with you or not.\u00a0 Ask questions after instructors have finished teaching.\u00a0 If you have the gut feeling that certain instructors will not be right for you, move on to find another club. Most legitimate schools will allow prospective students to witness or even try out a class for free before joining.<\/p>\n
Related to teaching styles, some instructors emphasize safety more than others.\u00a0 The use of protective equipment and certain rules while sparring are factors.\u00a0 In addition to asking instructors, also ask other students about injury rates and their general feedback about the classes (ideally when they are outside of their schools).\u00a0 Another point on the students is that some schools attract a certain type of student profile.\u00a0 Observe the other students and decide whether these are people you would like to train with.<\/p>\n
Some schools are very much into competition with active encouragement of students to participate in tournaments.\u00a0 In fact, some schools even make this a requirement in order to advance through the different levels.\u00a0 Other schools have been known to restrict competition only within a particular circuit.\u00a0 For example, many tae know do clubs only participate in tournaments that are strictly Olympic style tae kwon do and never go to events that are open to all martial arts styles.\u00a0 There are schools in the complete opposite end where they do not believe in competition at all and pretty well keep to themselves without any interaction with other martial arts clubs.\u00a0 Many Chinese kung fu clubs do not compete and some styles of martial arts such as aikido do not offer any competitive outlet.\u00a0 Many martial arts schools choose to have a relaxed position towards competition where they leave it up to individual students to choose whether they want to participate in tournaments or not.\u00a0 Some schools have special competition teams where additional training is available for those students who wish to compete.\u00a0 So as a prospective student, you should consider what involvement you would like in competition if any.\u00a0 If you know that you never want to compete, you should not get locked into a school that requires tournament competition.\u00a0 If you have a desire for competition, don’t join a studio that shuns competition.<\/p>\n
Some martial arts schools teach in community centers, school gyms and even church basements.\u00a0 Some have bare bones studios with outdated equipment.\u00a0 Some schools have the latest martial arts and fitness equipment with sparkling clean change rooms and facilities.\u00a0 All of these will factor into the membership fee of each school.\u00a0 You have to determine what you are willing to pay for and what type of environment you will feel comfortable training in.<\/p>\n
Many schools require annual contracts while some are on a month to month basis.\u00a0 There could be initiation fees.\u00a0 There could also be testing or grading fees for advancement.\u00a0 All of these extra costs will add up.\u00a0 Ask what happens if you have to freeze your membership due to extended illness or injury. \u00a0<\/p>\n
If one doesn’t really know whether martial arts is an activity for them in the long run, the option of taking short term courses such as those offered by community centers may be a viable alternative to making a full commitment to a dedicated martial arts club with its own studio space.\u00a0 But do be aware that although martial arts can be very enjoyable from the first day you put on a karate uniform, it is a long term activity and one must have patience in order to benefit the most from martial arts.\u00a0 Fortunately, there are many options in the form of different martial art styles and schools to choose from in the market today.\u00a0 Just make sure that you do some preliminary research before committing to any particular club.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"