Comments on How to Choose a Martial Art

I have been in the martial arts for months now and what I have heard from some of the tips on this website are based totally on presumptions that have been obtained from the movies. Karate for example literally means "empty hand," and in karate, weapons are not taught. Although in some karate classes Yamashe Ryu Kobudo is taught, which for those of you who don't know Japanese it is a weapons style.

A great fighter does not necessarily make a great teacher. Some martial artists who reach the high ranks, or are champion fighters, open their own schools to make money like any other business venture. But the skill and talent of this person doesn't automatically make them a great teacher. Visit the school and ask if it is OK to observe a class or two. Is the Sifu (or Sensei) conveying his instruction to the students well? Are the students smiling and satisfied when they learn something? Does the school appear to be a center of friendship? Or is the master just screaming at everyone? Does he make the class warm up for 30 minutes in a 45 minute class? Do the students look tired, beaten, and confused when class is over? Does the master look disinterested - like he is just going through the same old routine? Is the sparring safe? A good school should be a place where you learn a valuable skill as well as nurture new friendships.

I have been in the martial arts for months now and what I have heard from some of the tips on this website are based totally on presumptions that have been obtained from the movies. Karate for example literally means "empty hand," and in karate, weapons are not taught. Although in some karate classes Yamashe Ryu Kobudo is taught, which for those of you who don't know Japanese it is a weapons style.

A great fighter does not necessarily make a great teacher. Some martial artists who reach the high ranks, or are champion fighters, open their own schools to make money like any other business venture. But the skill and talent of this person doesn't automatically make them a great teacher. Visit the school and ask if it is OK to observe a class or two. Is the Sifu (or Sensei) conveying his instruction to the students well? Are the students smiling and satisfied when they learn something? Does the school appear to be a center of friendship? Or is the master just screaming at everyone? Does he make the class warm up for 30 minutes in a 45 minute class? Do the students look tired, beaten, and confused when class is over? Does the master look disinterested - like he is just going through the same old routine? Is the sparring safe? A good school should be a place where you learn a valuable skill as well as nurture new friendships.

Before you start any martial art you must be willing to commit. If you don't you will not get all the benefits you can. There are some forms which will not help you in some situations. An example is when we learn self-defense in my Tae Kwon Do class, we've never gone over anything we could use if we are pinned to the ground. Basically do your homework before you get into it. It will really help.

Before you start any martial art you must be willing to commit. If you don't you will not get all the benefits you can. There are some forms which will not help you in some situations. An example is when we learn self-defense in my Tae Kwon Do class, we've never gone over anything we could use if we are pinned to the ground. Basically do your homework before you get into it. It will really help.

Sit in on a class or two (most instructors will allow this). Watch how an instructor relates to his or her students and vice/versa. If RESPECT is present, it will show.

Knowing what you want will help you choose a style. Fitness and discipline. TKD or Karate are great. Real life self defense. You need ground fighting techniques, like grappling.

In the Dojo, observe whatever rules apply. But in a real, possibly life threatening fight, do not disdain using simple, effective, dirty techniques, such as strikes to the groin or eyes.

Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, and Hwa Rang Do are Korean martial arts that are similar to both Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu. They are both hard and soft.

When you join a martial arts school you are actually hiring an instructor to teach you or your children. Interview all instructors and ask for references before making any financial commitment.

Although certain martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu look nice with the high kicking and screaming, these forms of fighting won't bring you victory in a street confrontation. I have tried many different martial arts, and I find these to be the most effective: Krav Maga (Israeli commando martial art), Systema (Russian warrior martial art), Jeet Kun Do (Created by Bruce Lee), the Filipino martial arts, and Kenpo Karate (shown in the movie "The Perfect Weapon").

Knowing what you want will help you choose a style. Fitness and discipline. TKD or Karate are great. Real life self defense. You need ground fighting techniques, like grappling.

Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, and Hwa Rang Do are Korean martial arts that are similar to both Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu. They are both hard and soft.

When you join a martial arts school you are actually hiring an instructor to teach you or your children. Interview all instructors and ask for references before making any financial commitment.

Sit in on a class or two (most instructors will allow this). Watch how an instructor relates to his or her students and vice/versa. If RESPECT is present, it will show.

Although certain martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu look nice with the high kicking and screaming, these forms of fighting won't bring you victory in a street confrontation. I have tried many different martial arts, and I find these to be the most effective: Krav Maga (Israeli commando martial art), Systema (Russian warrior martial art), Jeet Kun Do (Created by Bruce Lee), the Filipino martial arts, and Kenpo Karate (shown in the movie "The Perfect Weapon").