Things You'll Need:
- Time.
- Money.
- Patience.
- Perseverance.
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Step 1
Before you do anything else, a little research and consideration is in order. Are you interested in training with weapons? Without them? A mix of both?
What do you hope to get out of your time training? Martial arts began as military training tools, but their modern and Western incarnations have modified them significantly. Some styles and schools will take a competitive, physically confrontational approach. Others emphasize personal improvement within a style. Some are more meditative; others focus on aerobic training and muscle conditioning. An hour or two exploring different martial arts styles and the national and international organizations that represent them will save you a great deal of time when you begin to look for a school in your area. -
Step 2
Finding a school that fits you is, arguably, the most important element in learning a martial art. Your options will vary widely, based on the size and location of the community you live in. The yellow pages will come in handy here, as will a quick search of local university websites.
As a rule, college groups have higher turnover, and you may find that leadership falls to whoever happens to be highest ranking and hasn't graduated yet--on the plus side, they're much less expensive, and often welcome community involvement. They also tend to be more aware of regional and national competitions, since many can seek university funding to cover some of their travel expenses.
Martial arts schools without university affiliation are often higher-priced, but may also have more experienced (and better-paid) instructors. They tend to have stronger ties to national martial arts organization--the American Taekwondo Association, the World Taekwondo Federation, etc. This, depending on the organization in question, can be good or bad.
The best way to choose a school, once you've tracked down some options within your budget range and driving distance, is to go and visit. As a general rule, if they won't let you watch--and, ideally, participate in--a class, you shouldn't be interested. If possible, talk to a student or two, as well. This is likely to be easier at a university, but ask an instructor about it no matter where you go. Don't be afraid to ask questions! If they're evasive, or won't answer--look elsewhere.
Negatives to watch out for include overwhelming ego-trips on the part of instructors--or students--remember the guy with the bulging muscles and American Flag outfit in "Napoleon Dynamite"? Anyone who insists on being called "Grand Master" is probably not someone you want to study under, though it's important to note that this is an official designation in some organizations. Just ask yourself... do you want to gasp out that many syllables at the end of a two-hour workout? If the advanced students aren't doing what you want to do, or if the beginning students are doing something you'd hate to do, it's also probably a sign that you should stay away.
Positive signs include open, friendly attitudes from students and instructors. Look for advanced students who are doing things you'd like to, beginning students who are doing things you can stand to, and a workout space that has adequate room and facilities. -
Step 3
Get started! Sign up; show up; get to work.
As a beginning student, it's important to work hard, but don't overdo it--keep an eye on others who are a level or two above you, and strive to work toward, but not at their level. A serious injury now can keep you from performing well in the future.
As you advance, you will develop additional skill within your chosen style, as well as a more realistic appraisal of your own body and how much it is capable of. Look for extra opportunities to train--many schools offer weekend or evening classes for advanced students for no extra charge. These will become particularly important, as your increasing mastery of a given technique will usually lead to diminished exertion in performing it--the better you are, the less of a workout you'll be getting!
