A 7 step guide to martial arts
The martial arts are literally the “arts of warriors”, but they’re not only for summoning your inner Chuck Norris. They can be a great way to get fit, stay that way — and learn a little self-defense.
If you want to get involved in an activity that strengthens your body and your attitude, it’s easy to get started in a martial art. Here's our seven step guide.
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Step one: Find your reason
Whether you’re looking to drop a few kilos, defend yourself or set an example for a child, there can be myriad reasons to take up a martial art.
Mark Howard, a certified personal trainer, says you need to have the right attitude when you start. "Nobody expects you to be in top shape right out of the gate...and don't come in thinking that you are going to kick everybody's butt! Just come to class on time, learn everything as quickly and thoroughly as you can, and sweat just like everyone else in class.”
Step two: Find your art
Each martial art has a distinct technique, and there are hundreds of styles practised around the globe. These are the basics:
- Jujitsu
This art does not use weapons and teaches you to use your opponent’s strength and force of attack as a weapon against him or her. You’ll learn holds and attacks that can hopefully stop a stronger or bigger attacker.
- Kung fu
This art teaches how to strike opponents from a low stance and uses powerful blocks. This is the martial art of China and was perfected by monks at the Shaolin Temple for both health and self-defense.
- Judo
This art is a grappling style that teaches you how to wrestle and throw opponents. You’ll learn to force an opponent into submission by techniques like joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke. A focus is also on kicking and punching and how to use various weapons. Nevertheless, Judo translates from Japanese to English as “the gentle way.”
- Muay Thai
This art originated in Thailand and Southeast Asia and is an ancestor of kickboxing. It teaches a discipline of kicking and is referred to as "The Art of the Eight Limbs," as the hands, shins, elbows and knees are all used.
- Karate
This is Mr. Miyagi’s art. Like that star of the Karate Kid movies, it originated in Okinawa and teaches striking through kicks, punches and blocks. You’ll use a number of muscles and get an all-round workout while gaining coordination and agility.
- Tai Chi
This art utilises slow and flowing movements. You learn to use your body weight to your advantage, as well as relaxed and deep breathing for overall balance. But don’t let that crouching tiger fool you; as a martial art, Tai Chi is essential for building stamina to stay on your feet.
- Tae kwon do
The world's most popular martial art (in number of students), this Korean fighting art is characterised by graceful and powerful movements. This art places a great emphasis on offense and teaches kicks and a system of blocks, punches and open-handed strikes.
Step three: Find your school
A good place to learn will understand your physical needs and your goals. You also need to see if the place looks and smells good, because if the community isn’t looking after itself, it won’t look after you.
You’ll most likely attend a class at the same time every day or week, so choose a location nearby so you won’t be tempted to skip class. Before signing up, try to attend more than one class at each school to get a good feel for the environment.
Most important is the instructor. Check the instructor's teaching style and whether he or she berates or coaches students.
Step four: Make it through day one
Mike Genko Berger, a sixth-degree karate black belt and author of Masterclass Karate: Kicking Techniques (Empire Books) has taught martial arts for over 30 years. He sees a lot of first-day jitters.
“Most people think they’ll be thrown into a fight on the very first day,” Berger said. “This will never happen. You’ll start with the fundamentals, and this will go on for weeks or months before you come close to anything like fighting.”
On day one, you can expect to learn how to make a fist and stances. Your instructors should walk you through stretching and proper breathing. Most classes focus on conditioning drills, reaction drills and when you’re ready, sparring.
Step five: Reap the health benefits
“Numerous benefits can be obtained from training. Not only physical strength, but flexibility and aerobic conditioning,” Berger says.
Berger says he’s seen countless students become leaner and stronger as they learned skills that are fun and challenging. Beyond that, he says a session of martial arts training can help you develop bone, tendon and ligament strength and increase your coordination and balance.
Step six: Get your gear
You'll need a uniform eventually, but the school may let you go a few classes in your regular workout clothes. Not many are going to let you get serious without safety equipment, however.
What you need depends on the art; your instructor will let you know exactly what you need. Get familiar with terms used to describe your style of uniform. For example, karate gear is called “karate gi,” and judo uniforms are called “judo gi.” Whatever your art, your uniform is known as your “dobok.”
Step seven: Going the distance
If you start in the martial arts, stay in it to win it, because sometimes improvements come in millimeters that you can barely notice in the short term. Your training has to continue with an optimistic attitude toward the fun of having a challenge where you can push yourself without being overwhelmed. Momentum is a motivating factor as success breeds more success.
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